Neapolitan War: Murat declares war on Austria and is defeated at Tolentino

Background. Murat had previously signed a treaty with Austria in January 1814, joining the Allied side. However, upon learning of Napoleon's return from exile, he sided with him again. On 15 March 1815, Murat declared war on Austria, five days before Napoleon's return to Paris. The Austrians were prepared for war, having raised suspicions when Murat requested permission to move troops through Austrian territory.

Campaign Developments. By late April 1815, Murat lost early gains as Austrian corps under Generals Bianchi and Neipperg forced Neapolitan forces south-east to Ancona. Murat hoped for Italian nationalist support, issuing the Rimini Proclamation on 30 March. However, no general insurrection occurred, and unrest was quashed by Austrian authorities. The Austrian commander Baron Johann Maria Philipp Frimont led forces in Lombardy.

Aftermath. The decisive battle at Tolentino resulted in a victory for the Seventh Coalition. On 20 May 1815, the Treaty of Casalanza was signed, restoring Ferdinand IV as King of Naples and Sicily. Murat fled to Corsica and later Cannes. He attempted an invasion of Calabria, landing at Pizzo on 8 October 1815, where he was captured and executed.