Which 1800 battle is considered Napoleon's first major victory as First Consul?

The Battle of Marengo is considered Napoleon’s first major victory as First Consul. Fought on 14 June 1800 near Alessandria in Piedmont, Italy, it secured a French victory over Austria during the War of the Second Coalition.

Napoleon had become First Consul after the coup of 18 Brumaire in November 1799. In 1800, he crossed the Alps with the French Army of the Reserve and moved into northern Italy, hoping to cut the Austrian army’s communications. Austrian forces under Michael von Melas surprised the French near Marengo and initially drove them back.

The battle was rescued late in the day by French reinforcements and a counterattack led by General Louis Desaix, who was killed during the fighting. General François Kellermann’s cavalry charge also helped break the Austrian advance. The Austrians withdrew and later agreed to leave northern Italy.

Marengo did not end the Second Coalition War by itself, but it dramatically strengthened Napoleon’s political position in France. It is sometimes confused with Austerlitz, his celebrated 1805 victory, or Jena, fought in 1806; both came later.