This armistice temporarily halted fighting after Marengo, requiring Austria to evacuate Italy, though negotiations for a final peace treaty ultimately collapsed.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- 15 June 1800
- Parties
- French First Republic and Austria
- Austrian withdrawal line
- East to the Mincio river
- Territories evacuated
- Piedmont and Milan strongholds abandoned
- Fighting resumed
- 22 November 1800
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Austria suffered a decisive defeat at the Battle of Marengo against French forces under Napoleon during the War of the Second Coalition, leaving its position in northern Italy untenable and compelling its commanders to seek an immediate cessation of hostilities.
On 15 June 1800, French and Austrian representatives signed the Convention of Alessandria, an armistice obligating Austria to withdraw its forces eastward to the Mincio river and to abandon key strongholds in Piedmont and Milan, while diplomatic negotiations for a lasting peace were to proceed.
Peace negotiations between France, Austria, and Britain broke down because Napoleon insisted on separate treaties with each power rather than a joint settlement. With no agreement reached, the armistice expired and armed conflict resumed on 22 November 1800, continuing the War of the Second Coalition.
Political Outcome
Austria agreed to evacuate Italy east to the Mincio and abandon strongholds in Piedmont and Milan; subsequent peace negotiations failed and fighting resumed 22 November 1800.
Austria held strongholds across northern Italy including Piedmont and Milan
Austria withdrew to the Mincio, ceding control of Piedmont and Milan to France