Mikhail Kutuzov

Mikhail Kutuzov (1745–1813) was a Russian field marshal who commanded Russian forces during Napoleon’s 1812 invasion of Russia and the subsequent campaign in Europe.

Battle of Borodino: A major 1812 battle near Moscow between Napoleon’s Grande Armée and Russian forces. Kutuzov commanded the Russian army in this costly battle before withdrawing toward Moscow.
Scorched-earth policy: A military strategy that destroys resources an advancing enemy could use. Russian withdrawals and destruction of supplies worsened the French army’s logistical crisis.
Napoleon: French military commander and emperor who led the invasion of Russia in 1812. Kutuzov’s strategy opposed Napoleon’s effort to force a decisive Russian defeat.
Siege of Izmail: A 1790 Russian assault that captured the Ottoman fortress of Izmail during the Russo-Turkish War. Kutuzov served under Alexander Suvorov in this earlier campaign, gaining combat experience.
Battle of Maloyaroslavets: An 1812 battle in which Russian and French forces fought for the route south from Moscow. Kutuzov’s army helped block Napoleon from retreating through less devastated southern territory.
Strategic retreat: An organized withdrawal intended to preserve forces or improve a later military position. Kutuzov continued retreating after Borodino rather than risk his army in another immediate battle.
Barclay de Tolly: A Russian field marshal who commanded the army during the early stages of the 1812 invasion. His retreat strategy preceded Kutuzov’s appointment and helped shape the campaign’s defense.
Russo-Turkish War (1787–1792): A war between the Russian and Ottoman empires from 1787 to 1792. Kutuzov’s battlefield career developed through campaigns in this conflict.
French invasion of Russia: Napoleon’s 1812 campaign against Russia, ending in the retreat of his Grande Armée. Kutuzov’s command shaped the Russian response to the invasion and its retreating enemy.
Russian winter: The cold season in Russia, characterized in many regions by severe cold and snow. Winter conditions compounded shortages and exhaustion during the French retreat Kutuzov pursued.

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