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Introduction
Magenta and Solferino (June 1859), for their results, are probably Napoleon III’s most successful military campaigns. Not only did they allow France to be the patron of Italian independence and unity and to establish the natural frontiers to the south (through the accession of Savoy and Nice to French territory), they also underlined the weakness of Austria in the concert of nations and highlighted the potential of French military might if unleashed. The face of Europe changed almost over night.
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Commentary
– Peter Hicks: The Battles of Magenta and Solferino – a political victory?
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Timeline
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Biographies
Major Players
Austrian
GYULAY, Ferencz József (Franz Josef), Austrian general
BENEDEK, Ludwig August Ritter von, Austrian generalFrench
BARAGUEY D’HILLIERS, Achille, French general and politician
CANROBERT, François Certain, French general and politician
MAC MAHON, Patrice, French general and politician
NIEL, Adolphe, French general and politician
REGNAUD DE SAINT-JEAN D’ANGELY, Auguste, French generalPiedmontese
FANTI, Manfredo, Italian general and politician
LA MARMORA, Alfonso Ferrero, Marchese del, Italian general and politician -
Bibliography
A close up on: the battles of Magenta and Solferino, 1859, towards Italian Unity
Magenta and Solferino (June 1859), for their results, are probably Napoleon III’s most successful military campaigns. Not only did they allow France to be the patron of Italian independence and unity and to establish the natural frontiers to the south (through the accession of Savoy and Nice to French territory), they also underlined the weakness of Austria in the concert of nations and highlighted the potential of French military might if unleashed. The face of Europe changed almost over night.