France was also facing problems because it was creating too many enemies. By 1799 Austria, Russia, and Great Britain had formed a coalition to push back at the expansionist desires of the French. Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt and Syria to challenge England’s communication routes with its colonies in India proved to be a mistake. While he was away Russia and Austria attacked the French troops stationed in northern Italy, killing thousands of them at the Battle of Trebbia. Thousands of Polish soldiers were slain fighting alongside the French.
