The Battle of Magenta took place during the Second Italian War of Independence, where the Kingdom of Sardinia, with support from France, aimed to expel Austrian forces from northern Italy. Emperor Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte viewed a strong Italy as a potential ally in his ambitions and sought to solidify his influence by supporting the Italian unification movement. The Austrian army, led by Field Marshal Franz Gyulay, was determined to maintain its control over Italy, which was vital to its strategic interests in the region.

The battle commenced on June 4, 1859, as French troops encountered their Austrian counterparts near Magenta, a small town located northwest of Milan. The French forces, made up of around 40,000 soldiers, employed aggressive tactics and utilized the terrain to their advantage, while the Austrians, numbering about 36,000, struggled with coordination amidst the chaos. Significant fighting broke out when the French, with the help of Italian allies, launched a series of determined attacks, effectively encircling Austrian forces. The battle witnessed acts of valor and heroism from both sides, but ultimately, the French prevailed, marking a turning point in the campaign.

As a result of this victory, the French solidified their influence in the region and bolstered the morale of Italian nationalists. The battle not only diminished Austrian power in Italy but also prompted other Italian states to consider unification. The struggle exemplifies the growing sentiment of nationalism across Europe during this era, ultimately leading to the transformative unification of Italy just a few years later.