Retreat from Moscow

The Retreat from Moscow was a significant turning point during Napoleon's 1812 invasion of Russia. After a brutal campaign, Napoleon's Grand Army suffered severe losses from harsh winter, starvation, and Russian attacks. As the Russian forces gradually retreated and destroyed resources along their path, Napoleon decided to withdraw his army back toward France to avoid complete destruction. This difficult retreat, conducted through harsh winter conditions, greatly weakened Napoleon’s forces and marked a major setback in his ambition to dominate Europe. It demonstrated the challenges of extended military campaigns and the impact of logistical and environmental factors on warfare.