The war between Napoleon and Russia, known as the Russian Campaign or the Invasion of Russia (1812), was one of the most significant and disastrous events of the Napoleonic Wars. Here's a summary of the campaign:

Causes of the War:

The war was primarily sparked by rising tensions between France and Russia. Russia was not strictly adhering to the Continental Blockade (an economic system designed to weaken Britain's economy), which frustrated Napoleon. He decided to invade Russia, hoping for a quick victory that would force Tsar Alexander I into submission.

Beginning of the Campaign:

  • June 1812: Napoleon launched his invasion of Russia, crossing the border with a Grand Army of about 600,000 soldiers, including troops from allied nations.

The March to Moscow:

  • June-July 1812: Napoleon's army advanced deep into Russian territory, but the Russians employed a "scorched earth" policy, destroying their own resources to prevent the French from resupplying.
  • September 7, 1812: The Battle of Borodino – the largest and bloodiest battle of the campaign. Both sides suffered heavy casualties, but the Russians eventually retreated, allowing Napoleon to proceed toward Moscow.

Occupation of Moscow:

  • September 14, 1812: Napoleon entered Moscow, which had been abandoned by its inhabitants. Soon after, fires broke out in the city, destroying much of Moscow. Napoleon expected Tsar Alexander I to seek peace, but this did not happen.

The Retreat:

  • October 1812: Facing the onset of winter, dwindling supplies, and no sign of a Russian surrender, Napoleon decided to retreat. The return march through devastated Russian lands, combined with freezing temperatures, lack of food, and constant attacks by Russian forces, turned the retreat into a catastrophe.

The Disaster of the Grand Army:

  • November 1812: The Battle of Berezina – Napoleon attempted to cross the Berezina River to escape Russia. Although he succeeded, it came at the cost of enormous losses.
  • December 1812: Napoleon abandoned his army and returned to France to address the threat posed by a new anti-French coalition. The remnants of the Grand Army, which had started the invasion with around 600,000 soldiers, were decimated – only a few tens of thousands made it back to France.

Consequences:

The Russian Campaign was a catastrophic failure for Napoleon. The immense human and material losses severely weakened Napoleon's power and his empire. This defeat led to the formation of a new coalition against Napoleon, ultimately contributing to his downfall in 1814.

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