Italian front 1915-1917 along the Isonzo river - 2021

The Austro-Hungarian High Command tried to find a solution of the permanently increasing Italian numerical strength and resources. That is why they was inspired by the German example in the spring of 1916 and decided to use the poisonous gas. The Italian side responded with a gas retaliation. More and more resistant defense on both sides required the implementation of special assault troops, and also the Air Force took part during the 4th Isonzo battle. All this has increased the destruction of the fighting which culminated in the 10th and 11th Isonzo battle.

During the first four battles, the main line of the Isonzo front was settled. The most violent fighting took place at Plava, then on the Gorizia bridgehead at Monte Sabotino, on Podgora and in karst on Monte San Michele and Monte dei Sei Busi. The Italian side has achieved only minor territorial gains. Gorizia was almost razed to the ground during the fighting of 10-13 December 1915. Italian rival managed to penetrate the the heights of Doberdo in the 5th battle and got into the middle of the first Austro-Hungarian defense position, even though Italians were thrown back during counter-attacks.

The 6th battle meant Italian tactical success. The Italians succeeded in conquest of Gorizia and strategically important Monte San Michele. In the following three battles, the main Italian onslaught concentrated on the south wing of the Isonzo front. The aim of Cadorna's strategy was to reach Trieste together with the port, which, after pushing the Austro-Hungarian troops to the second defensive position, seemed to be within reach. That is why, in the 10th and 11th Isonzo battle, the Italian Command was trying to finally break the front with the deployment and the exertion of all its forces.