History of Warfare Summary 4 - Napoleonic Wars Part 3: The Russian Campaign and Napoleon's Downfall

Napoleon's relationship with Russia deteriorated over the Continental Blockade. Russia found it difficult to bear the economic losses from completely cutting off trade with Britain, while Napoleon took issue with Russia not adhering strictly to the blockade. Consequently, in 1812, Napoleon led a massive army of approximately 600,000 men on a campaign into Russia. The Russian army employed a strategy of retreating and destroying food and supplies to deny the French army access, rather than engaging in a decisive frontal battle. Both sides suffered heavy losses in the Battle of Borodino in September. Napoleon entered Moscow but failed to reach a peace agreement with the Russians. Ultimately, the French army had to retreat before the harsh winter set in. Cold, starvation, disease, and attacks by the Russian army rapidly increased French casualties. Having lost most of his grand army, Napoleon's military authority was significantly weakened. Seizing this opportunity, European nations allied once more to confront France.