how successful was Napoleon's invasion of russia?
It was a disaster from the French point of view.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_invasion_of_Russia
napoloe was kiung of russia that hate po
Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812 was ultimately considered a grave failure. To assess the level of success, one can examine the specific details and outcomes of the invasion.
1. Initial success: At the outset, Napoleon's Grande Armée entered Russia with approximately 600,000 soldiers, marking the largest invading force in history to that point. They won a series of early battles and experienced initial success in capturing key cities like Smolensk.
2. Scorched earth tactic: As the Russian army retreated further into their own land, they adopted a strategy known as the "scorched earth" tactic. They burned crops, destroyed infrastructure, and evacuated civilians, depriving the French army of supplies and fueling resentment among the local population.
3. Brutal Russian winter: The Russian campaign extended into the winter, and the severity of the Russian winter took a heavy toll on the French troops, who were ill-prepared for the freezing temperatures. Lack of appropriate winter clothing, food shortages, and exposure to the harsh climate contributed to widespread disease, starvation, and death among the French soldiers.
4. Battle of Borodino: The Battle of Borodino was the largest and bloodiest battle of the campaign. Although the French were technically victorious, they suffered significant casualties, making it a hollow victory.
5. Moscow's abandonment and the retreat: After occupying Moscow, Napoleon expected the Russians to surrender. However, the Russians abandoned the city, denying the French any strategic advantage. With Moscow lacking supplies and set on fire by retreating Russian troops, Napoleon was forced to initiate a disastrous retreat.
6. Retreat and decimation of the Grande Armée: The retreat from Moscow turned into a nightmare for the French army. The Russian military inflicted heavy losses on the retreating Grande Armée through guerrilla attacks, ambushes, and skirmishes. The harsh winter conditions and lack of supplies further decimated the French troops. Ultimately, only a fraction of the initial invading force made it out of Russia alive.
Considering these factors, Napoleon's invasion of Russia can be deemed as a failure. The campaign was strategically flawed, inflicted heavy casualties, and ultimately weakened his empire. To evaluate the success of any historical event, it is crucial to consider multiple sources and perspectives, as historians may have varying interpretations.