The links between Napoleon and Italy are too often reduced to its
dazzling campaigns of 1796 and 1800. This love story, composed of
moments of happiness but also resentment, continued well beyond Marengo.
The story of Napoleon and Italy from 1805 to 1815 is primarily that of a
relentless thought; there was not a single day without two, three or
four letters by mail or telegraph, to Milan, Rome and Naples. This
permanence in imperial thought, illustrated the desire to make Italy a
model "French" state.
Italy is thus the little brother that is helped to grow under a severe,
permanent and vigilant watch, but one also full of tenderness.