War of the Second Coalition
Quick Summary
The Second Coalition was an alliance formed against Revolutionary France, comprising Great Britain, Russia, Austria, and Turkey. This coalition emerged in response to French expansionist policies, including new conquests in Rome and Switzerland, which were seen as violations of previous peace agreements.1
The war began in 1799 with French forces facing numerically superior allied armies. Despite initial French offensives, they suffered defeats in Germany and Italy. However, the coalition began to fracture due to disagreements between Austria and Russia. Napoleon Bonaparte's rise to power in France in late 1799 marked a turning point. Victories at Marengo and Hohenlinden in 1800 led to Austria's withdrawal from the war, effectively dissolving the Second Coalition and paving the way for French dominance in Europe.234
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
AustriaConflicts with revolutionary France, 1790–1805… (1792–97) and that of the Second Coalition (1799–1800), Austrian policy was guided by Franz Maria, Freiherr (baron) von Thugut, the only commoner to reach the rank of minister of foreign affairs in the history of the Habsburg monarchy. Thugut was an experienced diplomat and knew France very well, and he…
Read More… (1792–97) and that of the Second Coalition (1799–1800), Austrian policy was guided by Franz Maria, Freiherr (baron) von Thugut, the only commoner to reach the rank of minister of foreign affairs in the history of the Habsburg monarchy. Thugut was an experienced diplomat and knew France very well, and he…
Read More
FranceAlienation and coupsTo fight the War of the Second Coalition that began in 1799, the Directory mobilized three “classes,” or age cohorts, of young men but encountered massive draft resistance and desertion in many regions. Meanwhile, retreating armies in the field lacked rations and supplies because, it was alleged, corrupt…
Read MoreTo fight the War of the Second Coalition that began in 1799, the Directory mobilized three “classes,” or age cohorts, of young men but encountered massive draft resistance and desertion in many regions. Meanwhile, retreating armies in the field lacked rations and supplies because, it was alleged, corrupt…
Read More
French RevolutionThe Directory and revolutionary expansion…encouraged the formation of a Second Coalition of powers alarmed by the progress of the Revolution. This coalition of Austria, Russia, Turkey, and Great Britain won great successes during the spring and summer of 1799 and drove back the French armies to the frontiers. Bonaparte thereupon returned to France to…
Read More…encouraged the formation of a Second Coalition of powers alarmed by the progress of the Revolution. This coalition of Austria, Russia, Turkey, and Great Britain won great successes during the spring and summer of 1799 and drove back the French armies to the frontiers. Bonaparte thereupon returned to France to…
Read More
GermanyEnd of the Holy Roman Empire…against France was formed (the War of the Second Coalition, 1798–1802). This time Prussia remained neutral. Frederick William III, a conscientious and modest but ineffectual ruler, was notable for private morality rather than political skill. The government in Berlin drifted back and forth, dabbling in minor economic and administrative reforms…
Read More…against France was formed (the War of the Second Coalition, 1798–1802). This time Prussia remained neutral. Frederick William III, a conscientious and modest but ineffectual ruler, was notable for private morality rather than political skill. The government in Berlin drifted back and forth, dabbling in minor economic and administrative reforms…
Read More
ItalyCollapse of the republicsAfter the birth of the Second Coalition against France (March 1799), Austrian and Russian troops were able to occupy the Cisalpine Republic and to reach Turin in less than two months. Thus, the French lost the entire Po valley. In addition, most of the French army was forced to withdraw…
Read MoreAfter the birth of the Second Coalition against France (March 1799), Austrian and Russian troops were able to occupy the Cisalpine Republic and to reach Turin in less than two months. Thus, the French lost the entire Po valley. In addition, most of the French army was forced to withdraw…
Read More