Origins & Early Life

André Masséna, prince d'Essling, duc de Rivoli (English: mass-eh-NAH, French: [ɑ̃dʁe massena]; born Andrea Massena; 6 May 1758 – 4 April 1817), was a French military commander of the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. He was one of the original eighteen Marshals of the Empire created by Napoleon I, who nicknamed him "the dear child of victory" (l'enfant chéri de la victoire). He is considered to be one of the greatest generals of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Beginning his career as an enlisted soldier under the ancien régime, Masséna established himself as one of the best generals of the French Republic during the French Revolutionary Wars.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He served as Napoleon Bonaparte's main lieutenant in the Italian campaign of the War of the First Coalition, playing a decisive role in the victories of Arcole and Rivoli, and was at the helm of the advance into Austrian territory that compelled them to open peace negotiations. In 1799, Masséna defeated the Second Coalition forces at the Second Battle of Zurich, which had considerable strategic repercussions for France. Under the French Empire, Masséna continued to demonstrate great competence in his various commands, both...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

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