The expulsion of the French from Turin by the Austro-Russian forces in 1799
Bolt Valentina
During the Italian Campaign of 1799, the siege of French-occupied Turin by the Austro-Russian forces lasted from May 14/25 to June 9/20. During this time, the city experienced two major artillery bombardments. After the first, the entire French garrison redeployed to the citadel, while the main part of the city was occupied by the allies. The city’s National Guard played an active role in these events, opening one of the gates for the allied troops in agreement with General Vukassovich and offering armed resistance to the French garrison. By decision of the allied command, power in the city was transferred from the republican government to the Supreme Council and a commissioner appointed by Vienna. The new authorities faced two critical tasks: restoring order in the city and ensuring supplies for the military contingents. Meanwhile, the city’s residents’ attitudes were mixed: some continued to support the Republicans and aid the garrison trapped in the citadel, while others, including former officers of the abolished Piedmontese army, actively participated in the allied preparations for the assault on the fortress. Researchers write of regular arrests and looting during this period. In contrast, some Russian participants in the events report a friendly attitude from the local population and a desire to continue living a normal life: going to the theater and welcoming guests. The second assault, like the first, was carried out by a small force after the main army had left Turin and resulted in the capitulation of the French garrison. However, just a few months later, Suvorov reported to his superiors about the townspeople’s discontent with the regime established by the allies, a conspiracy, and an attempt to assassinate a Russian officer.
The study is sponsored by the Russian Science Foundation, project № 25–18–00510 “Relations between military personnel and civilians during the Napoleonic Wars”.
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