The Battles of the Isonzo: 1915-1917
| Combatants |
Italy |
Austria-Hungary |
Force Strength |
Varied Each Battle |
Varied Each Battle |
| Casualties |
400,000-600,000 |
200,000 |
Italy, originally, was part of the Triple Alliance, together with Germany and Austria-Hungary. However, Italy had interest in gaining land from Austria-Hungary, and saw joining the war with the Allies as an opportunity to gain that territory. Austria-Hungary, Germany’s close ally, had not fared well on its other fronts against Russia and in the Balkans against Serbia. However, in the treacherous Alps, Austrian troops would hold their ground against a much larger Italian force. A total of 12 battles would be fought between Italy and Austria-Hungary along the Isonzo River. The Italians chose to launch their attacks here because the terrain and Austrian defenses made attacks in other places along the border impractical. Despite the dozen major confrontations along the river, the Italians would not make any real progress. Half the total Italian casualties in the war would die in the battles of the Isonzo. Still, Italy’s numerous offensives along the Isonzo were weakening Austria-Hungary, to the point that by the Twelfth Battle, Germany was coming to Austria’s aid. In this Twelfth battle, also known as the Caporetto offensive, German and Austrian forces launched a massive surprise attack on the Italians, using smoke, gas, artillery, flamethrowers, and grenade launchers. The Central Powers made rapid gains, but eventually overstretched their supply lines, and were unable to continue progress. The defeat shocked Italy and its Allies, causing political turmoil for Italy at home and forcing France and Britain to send aid to the Italian front.
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