The Battles of Isonzo Mariana Cortes, Manisha Tirumalai, Cole Hinkelman, Stephanie Young. Nicolas Rijhwani

THESIS The Battles of Isonzo resulted in an ultimate failure for Italy, primarily due to the terrain of the Isonzo Valley that significantly benefitted the Austro-Hungarian front. This led to success for the Central powers which nearly knocked Italy out of the war, yet contributed to the wearing down of Austria’s forces.

Italy Joins the War Italy was neutral; joined Triple Alliance The Italian government and people wanted territory held by the Austrians and negotiated the promise of rewards from the Allies. Treaty of London was signed on April 26, 1915 Italy would declare war on the Central Powers in return for promises of gains in the disputed provinces in the Tyrol and the Austrian Littoral which included the port of Trieste. Agreements were also hammered out over the division of the spoils with Serbia along with the Dalmatian coastline of the Adriatic. Resulted in Italy declaring war on Austria-Hungary on May 23, 1915 Opens a new front stretching for some 400 miles along the border Italy shared with Austria-Hungary The Italians lacked artillery and hand grenades as well as training appropriate to the conditions.

Before the Battle Italians declare war Austro-Hungarians believe only place where Italians could conduct major offensive was the Isonzo Valley Austro-Hungarians place bulk of their forces to defend Isonzo Valley The Italian attack plan dismissed the hard mountain terrain between Austria and Italy Italians intend to seize the cities of Gorizia (Görz) and Trieste Austrians want to retain their control on the Adriatic Luigi Cadorna (Italy) organizes forces on Isonzo front into Second and Third armies commanded by General Pietro Frugoni and General Vittorio Emanuele

Before the Battle Cont. First and Fourth Italian armies’ plan: secure South Tyrol at Verona and Belluno allowing them to move into Austrian territory Austrian forces under Prince Eugen already started work on defensive line in April 1915 Command of Austrian Fifth Army is given to General Svetozar Boroevic von Bojna His plan was to issue succinct and clear orders Although presented with grandiose counterattacks along the Görz bridgeheads, he rejected them for straightforward and robust defence instead

Luigi Cadorna Svetozar Boroević A.K.A. The “Croatian Thickhead”

First Battle of Isonzo Italy’s goal was to drive back Austria from the strategic defensive positions along the mountains bordering Italy and Austria-Hungary Before the Italian attack, the Austrians improved the strength of fortifications and destroyed railway bridges May 25, first Italian troops arrive at the Isonzo and First battle begins on June 23 1915 They destroyed railway bridges that the Italians would need to move forwards if the opening phase of the offensive was a success and could be exploited.

First Battle of Isonzo Austria held strong uphill positions and easily repelled the underutilized Italian forces, even though being outnumbered 2:1 The battle ended July 7th, 1915 without significant advances by the Italians

Sixth Battle of Isonzo Known as the most successful Italian offensive of the 12 battles of Isonzo. Began on August 6, 1916, ended August 17, 1916. Luigi Cadorna directed the force of his attack to capturing the city of Gorizia, after a failure at Trentino. Cadorna was successful in the capture of Gorizia, enabling the Italians to establish a bridgehead along the Isonzo. Italians advanced 3-4 miles along the 15 mile front.

Effects of the Sixth Battle Italians suffered a casualty of 51,000, while Austro- Hungarian losses totaled at 40,000. The success led to a significant boost in morale for the Italians. This eventually led to the Italian government officially declaring war on Germany on August 28, 1916. Cadorna’s offensive approach shifted after this battle, from broad diversions to swift, sharp attacks with singular objectives. Unfortunately,the sixth battle remained the only remote success for Italians in the twelve battles of Isonzo.

The Twelfth Battle of Isonzo (Battle of Caporetto) Italian military disaster-- troops retreated from an aggressive Austro-German offensive. Troops surrendered or deserted. Pushed back all the way to the north of Venice.

Effects of the Battle of Caporetto Italians got reinforcements from Britain and France-- rely on the Allies resources for rest of war. Italian public opinion called to stop the war, was suppressed. Cardona resigned due to the Italian outcry, replaced by Armando Diaz. New Prime Minister: Vittorio Orlando. Replaced Paolo Boselli.

Results The most important benefit for the Allies was that the Italian offensives forced Austria to divert divisions from fighting against Serbia and Russia. Results/deaths: Central Powers won - The Isonzo battles illustrated that well-prepared positions could not be taken by conventional frontal assaults. Each time the Italians had superior numbers and fought bravely, but were held or made only minor advances with heavy losses. Fruitless losses for Italians Cadorna won the first Italian victory over a foreign army since the days of Rome. Moreover, the Italians contributed to a gradual wearing down of the Austrians. The 11th battle of the Isonzo forced the Germans to transfer troops to the Austrian front. Those troops spearheaded the attack at Caporetto in October 1917, which nearly knocked Italy out of the war. Caporetto is sometimes referred to as the 12th battle of the Isonzo.

Works Cited "Battle of Caporetto." Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 09 Aug. 2007. Web. 05 Feb. 2017. Duffy, Micheal. "Firstworldwar.com." First World War.com - Battles - The Battle of Caporetto, 1917. N.p., 22 Aug. 2009. Web. 05 Feb. 2017. History.com Staff. "Eleven Battles of Isonzo." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 2009. Web. 31 Jan. 2017. Hart, Peter. The Great War: A Combat History of the First World War. New York: Oxford UP, 2013. Print. Jordan, David. "Italy at War 1915-16." The Balkans, Italy and Africa 1914-1918. London: Amber, 2008. 114-18. Print. Watts, Tim. "Isonzo Campaign." World History: The Modern Era, ABC-CLIO, 2017, worldhistory.abc-clio.com. Accessed 31 Jan. 2017.