War of the Second Coalition
The War of the Second Coalition began in 1799 when Britain, Austria, Russia, the Ottoman Empire, Portugal, Naples, and several German states formed an alliance against the French Republic. Initial Coalition successes in Italy and Switzerland in spring 1799 reversed French gains and created a military crisis. Russian forces under Suvorov drove the French from much of northern Italy. This military emergency, combined with domestic financial collapse and Directory unpopularity, created the conditions that Napoleon's supporters exploited for the Brumaire coup of November 1799. As First Consul, Napoleon reorganised the French war effort, crossing the Alps to defeat Austria at Marengo (June 1800) while Moreau won at Hohenlinden (December 1800). The war ended with the Peace of Lunéville (February 1801) with Austria and the Treaty of Amiens (March 1802) with Britain — giving France a dominant position in Europe. The brief Peace of Amiens (1802–03) was the only pause in the wars between France and Britain during the entire Revolutionary and Napoleonic period.
- Year: 1799 CE
- Category: Military
