"This history of Italy under the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte draws on primary sources - and a large number of secondary ones - and seeks to present a balanced summary to the conclusions reached by historians. The questions that it aims to answer are, first, what was Napoleon's interest in Italy (he described it as a mistress he would share with no one), and why did it continue to command his special attention until the end of his career? Second, what were his apparent intentions for the future of Italy?

Third, what was the impact on Italy of fifteen years of Napoleonic rule?".

"This book examines how Napoleon played the democratic and national cards purely to serve his military ends during his brilliant campaign in north Italy in 1796-97. It traces chronologically the history of the Cisalpine republics, the Italian republic, and the kingdom of Italy, for whose creation Napoleon was responsible.

Once Napoleon assumed the title of emperor, Italy became for him a forward bastion against Austrian aggression, a colony to be exploited for its rich resources in men and material, a launching pad for the destruction of British power in the Mediterranean and for an assault on the Turkish empire. Italy also opened the path to the resurrection of the empire of Charlemagne, with Rome and second city of it."--BOOK JACKET.