Study History notes on Heroism and Bonaparte. Useful for revision, homework, and exam preparation in Zimbabwe.
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A Modern Hero. Bonaparte and the Culture of Heroism Patrice Gueniffey EHESS Texte provisoire: ne pas citer "The sublime simplicity of a republican hero": the figure of Bonaparte as hero spreads after the battle of Arcola, in November 1796, as painted later by the famous painter Antoine-Jean Gros. Bonaparte, 27 years old at the time, is represented on the bridge of Arcola, leading his troops during the supposedly victorious assault on Austrian positions. In fact, the assault was not successful; besides, Bonaparte fell down in a small river by the side of the road and was rescued by his brother Louis. A brief summary: the First Italian Campaign began in the spring of 1796, and was followed by a series of extraordinary victories in North Italy, from Torino to Milan. Piedmont and Lombardy are conquered by the month of May. Then, from July to the end of the year, Austrian armies are trying, four times, to come back, but they fail each and every time. The battle of Arcole occurs during Austria's third attempt to change the military situation. The fourth such attempt, in January 1797, will be the last one. After being defeated at Rivoli (15 January 1797), the Austrians are reduced to capitulation. The war in Italy is over. Come back now to the representation of Bonaparte after Arcola. 1