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- Napoleon, who had halted in expectation of a Russian attack, moved toward Smolensk, one of Russia’s most sacred cities, in the hope that the Russians would make a stand there. They did, in part because Barclay’s junior officers threatened mutiny if he did not.
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Napoleon, who had halted in expectation of a Russian attack, moved toward Smolensk, one of Russia’s most sacred cities, in the hope that the Russians would make a stand there. They did, in part because Barclay’s junior officers threatened mutiny if he did not.
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Nov 11, 2012 · The previous post in this series described how Napoleon decided to retreat from Moscow on 18 October 1812. His intention was to make for the supply depot at Smolensk by a southerly route.
The battle of Smolensk was the first time since invading Russia that Napoleon Bonaparte had an opportunity to fight the defending armies. The Russian generals Barclay de Tolly and Bagration had traded space for time, but had reluctantly joined together - the pair disliked each other - at the city of Smolensk.
Mar 1, 2021 · Not expecting an offensive by Kutuzov, Napoleon made the strategic mistake of resuming his retreat by dispatching the Grande Armée's corps individually from Smolensk on four successive days, starting on November 13.
Aug 24, 2023 · He wasted no time launching his own counteroffensive, the 'Smolensk Maneuver'; this was an impressive operation in which Napoleon quickly moved over 200,000 men across the Dnieper River and began advancing on Smolensk.
- Napoleon's invasion of Russia involved around 615,000 men, 200,000 horses, and 1,300 guns along with a supply train of 7,848 vehicles.
- Napoleon invaded Russia on 24 June 1812 but suffered heavy losses as the Russians engaged in a war of attrition. Napoleon won the Battle of Borodin...
- Of Napoleon's initial 615,000 men, less than 100,000 returned from Russia. Of the half-million losses, 380,000 had died, 120,000 were taken prisone...
- France invaded Russia in 1812 primarily to force it to rejoin the Continental System embargo against Britain.
Both commanders observed that Napoleon might feign his attack on Smolensk, and instead move his troops to Dorogobouzh to cut the Moscow route and the Russian line of communication.
When Napoleon left Smolensk on 18th August, 1812, he was well aware that he was going further than his own propaganda had said was good for him. Indeed, even his entourage warned him against it. 1 The enemy had retreated at Borodino and given up the religious capital city.
