Battle of Lissa

Article abstract: Type of action: Naval battle in the Austro-Prussian War. Result: The smaller Austrian fleet defeated the Italian fleet.

Allying themselves with the Prussians against Austria, the Italians hoped to regain the province of Venetia. In an attempt to control the Adriatic Sea, the Italian fleet of ironclads, commanded by Admiral Count Carlo de Persano, attacked the Austrian fortress on the island of Lissa (July 19). A stubborn defense by Austrian troops forced the Italian vessels to withdraw out of range for the night.

By morning (July 20),...

[The entire page is 303 words long]

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