Isonzo, Battles of the

Isonzo, Battles of the

(1915–17) Twelve battles along the Isonzo River on the eastern sector of the Italian front in World War I. The Isonzo River, running just inside Austria, is flanked by rugged peaks that the Austrians had fortified before Italy's entry into the war in 1915. Luigi Cadorna (1850–1928) led all the attacks against Austria, but the Italians could not penetrate the formidable natural barriers. Finally they struck with 51 divisions and dislodged the Austrians, but the Germans sent reinforcements and took the offensive, ending in the Battle of Caporetto.