The French Invasion of Russia (1812)

The French Invasion of Russia in 1812 was a major military campaign led by Napoleon Bonaparte. He aimed to force Russia into compliance with his domination over Europe. However, the Russian army employed scorched-earth tactics, destroying resources as they retreated, which left Napoleon’s army stranded and poorly supplied. The Russian winter and harsh conditions further decimated the French troops during their retreat. Ultimately, the campaign was a disastrous failure for Napoleon, weakening his empire and shifting the balance of power in Europe. It highlighted the challenges of invading vast territories with logistical and environmental difficulties.