(June 14, 1800) Narrow victory for Napoleon against Austria in the Napoleonic Wars , fought on the Marengo Plain in northern Italy.
The initial French force was overpowered, but when the Austrian commander gave up command to a subordinate in the belief that victory was secured, French reinforcements forced the Austrians into retreat. The victory resulted in the French occupation of Lombardy and secured Napoleon's military and civilian authority in Paris.