He sent The struggle a force to begin the siege of Mantua.

That was the key to for Mantua the situation.

He could not advance into the Alps and against Vienna until he had taken it.

On the other hand if Austria lost Mantua, she would lose her hold upon Italy.

Four times during the next eight months, from June, 1796 to Jan- uary, 1797, Austria sent down armies from the Alps in the attempt to relieve the beleaguered fortress.