Grande Armée

The Grande Armée was the name given to the French army during the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, particularly noted for its size and effectiveness in the early 19th century. At its peak, it consisted of about 600,000 soldiers when it invaded Russia in 1812. The army was known for its innovative tactics, rapid movement, and impressive discipline. However, the harsh conditions of the Russian campaign, including extreme winter weather and supply shortages, led to devastating losses. Ultimately, the Grande Armée symbolized both the might of Napoleon's France and the challenges of military overreach.