Russian Campaign
- A trade imbalance developed between Russia and France during the continental blockade (or system)
- Russians had little commitment to the blockade in 1809, even less in 1810
- December 31: Alexander I officially withdraws Russia from the blockade
- Napoleon, in response, prepared for war
- Napoleon amassed an army of 600 000 soldiers, and 130 000 reserves between 1811 and 1812
- that was the largest army ever assembled
- only 200 000 troops were French, while the others were troops from French-controlled countries
- 24 June, 1812: Napoleon's army crosses Niemen River
- on the way to Smolensk, the army decrease because of heat, disease, and desertion
- Russian army retreated; that drew Napoleon's army even deeper into Russia
- while the Russians were retreating, they destroyed all crops and food
- August 17: Napoleon reaches Smolensk; small fight with the Russians
- September 7, 1812: Napoleon’s army reaches Borodino outside of Moscow
- Russians lost 47 000 soldiers, France lost 30 000 soldiers
- Russians retreat to Moscow, implementing scorched earth policy
- French army reaches Moscow September 14; they found no supplies and no soldiers
- Alexander I refused to negotiate; Russian winter set in; French had to go home, they had no choice
- French experienced heavy losses on way home because of Cossack attacks, and the harsh climate by November only 30 000 men were left; by the end of 1812, the remnants reached the Prussian border this was one of the greatest disasters in military history