Bonaparte's Blitz: The Italian Campaign That Made Napoleon In 1796-1797, young General Napoleon Bonaparte led the undermanned French Army of Italy against Austrian and Sardinian forces. Through brilliant tactics and speed, he won decisive victories at Montenotte, Lodi, Arcole, and Rivoli, forcing Austria to sue for peace via the Treaty of Campo Formio. This campaign catapulted him to fame and secured French dominance in northern Italy. To watch our complete documentary on Napoleon's Italian Camp