Les campagne d'Italie 1859-1866

The Campaigns of Italy 1859-1866 is an operational wargame covering the two major Italian campaigns that shaped the creation of modern Italy: the Second Italian War of Independence in 1859 and the Third Italian War of Independence in 1866. It is Volume II of the Bouton de Guêtre series.

The game recreates the Franco-Piedmontese war against Austria in 1859 and the Italian-Austrian conflict of 1866, when the newly unified Italian kingdom attempted to complete national unification by taking Venetia.

The 1859 campaign follows the French and Piedmontese advance through the Po Valley, including the major battles of Magenta and Solferino.

The 1866 campaign portrays Italy’s attempt to defeat Austria despite internal weaknesses and the Austrian army’s victory at Custoza.

Game system

The game uses the Bouton de Guêtre system, an evolution of the Les Maréchaux series adapted for nineteenth-century campaigns.

Units represent:

• army corps;
• divisions;
• brigades;
• cavalry and artillery formations.

The system focuses on:

• operational maneuver;
• command coordination;
• supply and communications;
• decisive battles;
• differences between national armies.

Included scenarios

Italian Campaign 1859

Includes the main operations of the Franco-Piedmontese war.

Battle of Magenta – June 4, 1859

French and Piedmontese victory opening the road toward Milan.

Battle of Solferino – June 24, 1859

The decisive battle of the campaign between Napoleon III’s army and the Austrian forces.

Italian Campaign 1866

The Italian war against Austria during the Austro-Prussian conflict.

Focuses on:

• Italian invasion attempts;
• Austrian defensive operations;
• strategic consequences of the war.

Objective

The Italian and French player must defeat Austria and achieve political and territorial objectives.

The Austrian player must defend key areas, exploit superior organization, and delay enemy advances.

Players

2 players

Playing time

Approximately 2–4 hours depending on scenario.

Complexity

Medium

A historical operational system emphasizing strategic decisions rather than tactical detail.

Game scale

Period: 1859–1866

Level: Operational

Units: Army corps and major military formations

Replayability

Two historical campaigns

Multiple strategic choices

Different national armies

Strong historical variation

Components (indicative)

Strategic map

Die-cut counters

Rulebook

Scenario booklet

Player aids