Knowra French invasion of Russia French invasion of Russia Napoleon’s 1812 campaign against the Russian Empire began with a massive French-led invasion and ended with the Grande Armée’s disastrous retreat. Its failure weakened French power and helped turn the Napoleonic Wars against Napoleon.
Grande Armée : Napoleon’s multinational field army, assembled for the 1812 invasion of Russia. Its losses during the invasion transformed a formidable force into a remnant.
Treaty of Tilsit : The 1807 agreements between Napoleon and Alexander I that temporarily made France and Russia allies. Their alliance created expectations that later conflicts over policy would break.
Sixth Coalition : An alliance of European powers formed to defeat Napoleon, including Russia, Prussia, Austria, and Britain. Russia’s survival and renewed resistance helped bring the coalition together.
War of the Fourth Coalition : The 1806–1807 conflict in which Napoleon defeated Prussia and its allies, then reached an agreement with Russia. Its rapid French victories contrast with the prolonged, destructive Russian campaign.
Scorched-earth policy : A military strategy that destroys resources an advancing enemy might use. Russian forces and civilians denied the invaders supplies as they advanced.
Continental System : Napoleon’s embargo intended to weaken Britain by restricting its trade with continental Europe. Russia’s retreat from the embargo deepened the political rift preceding the invasion.
War of the Sixth Coalition : The European conflict of 1813–1814 in which coalition forces defeated Napoleon and invaded France. The invasion’s losses left France less able to resist the coalition’s campaigns.
Battle of Austerlitz : Napoleon’s decisive victory over Austrian and Russian forces in 1805, often called the Battle of the Three Emperors. The earlier triumph over Russia’s army contrasts with Napoleon’s failure to force its surrender in 1812.
Battle of Borodino : The largest and bloodiest battle of Napoleon’s 1812 invasion, fought near Moscow on September 7. The costly French victory failed to destroy the Russian army or secure peace.
Alexander I of Russia : The Russian emperor from 1801 to 1825, who resisted Napoleon’s demands and led Russia during the invasion. His refusal to submit after Moscow’s occupation frustrated Napoleon’s central political aim.
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