Decisively Outnumbered: The Results of Bonaparte's Maneuver
The following chart shows how Bonaparte, whose total force was almost invariably inferior or equivalent to that of his adversary, was able to swiftly concentrate his troops so as to be numerically superior at the decisive point - when battle was joined. With only two (notable) exceptions, on a regular basis Bonaparte's army outnumbered the Allies on the battlefield; sometimes (as at Montenotte against the Austrians and at Mondovì against the Sardinians) his superiority was crushing. Adding the French army's superior speed, more proactive leadership and more effective tactics to their numerical superiority on the battlefield helps explain Bonaparte's triumph. The French are shown in blue, the Allies in red. Effectifs = Strength. Pertes = Losses.