French Invasion of Russia

The French invasion of Russia, led by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1812, was a major military campaign where France aimed to compel Russia to rejoin the Continental System against Britain. Napoleon assembled a vast army but underestimated Russia's vast territory, harsh winter, and scorched-earth tactics—where Russians destroyed resources to hinder the French. As the campaign advanced, supply issues, disease, and cold devastated Napoleon's forces. The harsh winter and Russian resistance ultimately forced Napoleon to retreat, resulting in massive losses and marking a turning point that contributed to his decline.