the Army of Italy! Could courage and constancy possibly fail you?" Once Napoleon took over it didn't take long for him to turn the group of ill disciplined soldiers into an effective fighting force. In a series of stunning victories, Napoleon defeated four Austrian generals in succession, each army he fought got bigger and bigger. This forced Austria and its allies to make peace with France. "Throughout his Italian campaigns, Napoleon won the confidence of his men by his energy, charm, and ability to comprehend complex issues quickly and make decisions rapidly. These qualities, combined with his keen intelligence, ease with words, and supreme confidence in himself, enabled him throughout the rest of his life to influence people and win their firm support" (6). " In July the Austrians sent three powerful waves of men through the Alps. In only six days, Napoleon and his men attacked each wave of soldiers, and defeated each one separately. When the third was defeated in a two days' battle at Rivoli on January 14th and 15th, 1797, he invaded Austria. In October of 1797, he signed a treaty of Campo-Formio. With this treaty France was given Belgium and lands along the Rhine River. "Napoleon's speed and his cleverness baffled his enemies. Besides the fighting, this 28-year-old general made his own treaties, and conducted his own diplomacy, He kept the Directory ( The French executive body ) happy by sending home all the money and works of art which he could seize." (9). In December, 1797, Napoleon returned to Paris as a conquering hero. When he returned he received a huge welcome. At this time he began thinking of pursuing more political power and military power. He wanted to become the next Alexander the Great. The Director wanted to get rid of Napoleon as soon as possible. He felt that Napoleon was getting too popular and too powerful in Paris. He was given command of an army in training to invade England, but believing that the French were...
