In the early morning of May 10, 1796, a little-known general named Napoleon Bonaparte stood at the helm of the French army. They were facing the Austrian forces in what would become known as the Battle of Lodi. As the French soldiers made their perilous journey across the narrow wooden bridge of the Adda River, Napoleon, with undeterred courage, led from the front, shouting, "Soldiers, when there is but one step between you and death, then fight!" The battle was brutal, but thanks to Napoleon's strategic genius, the French forces surprised the Austrians from the rear, securing a decisive victory. This battle marked Napoleon's ascension from obscurity to military prominence, setting the stage for his eventual reign as the French Emperor. The Battle of Lodi was a turning point in European history, signifying the emerging power of the French army and Napoleon's strategic brilliance.