). On March 9, 1796, Napoleon married Josephine and two days later left to command the army that was fighting the Austrians in Italy. On April 10 he started a new campaign, and with a series of clever movements he split the opposing Austrian army into three separate groups. Napoleon then defeated each one of them. This was first example of his rules of war, "Always be superior to the enemy at the point of attack." Three weeks later he crossed the Po River. Napoleon lead an attack and attempted to storm the bridgeover the Adda River. "He charged right into the blast of the Austrian guns. The army went wild with enthusiasm and nicknamed him the "Little Corporal." " (pg.7 Britannica Junior Encyclopedia #11 N-O). Napoleon formed three republics in northern Italy, and made peace with Naples without even telling the government in Pairs. 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 andlands 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." (pg.7 Britannica Junior Encyclopedia #11 N-O). 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 ofpursuing 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 powerf...
