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In Our Time
Napoleon's Retreat from Moscow
Sep 19, 2019
Join experts Janet Hartley, Michael Rowe, and Michael Rapport as they dissect the chaos of Napoleon's 1812 campaign in Russia. Hartley unveils the complexities of Napoleon's motivations and miscalculations, while Rowe emphasizes the brutal winter conditions and significant casualties during the fateful retreat. Rapport explores the impact of conscription on military manpower and the shifting perception of Napoleon in Europe. Together, they reveal how this catastrophic retreat reshaped alliances and transformed the narrative surrounding one of history's most controversial leaders.
54:00
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Quick takeaways
- Napoleon's invasion of Russia demonstrated his weaknesses and marked a turning point in his military fortunes.
- The resilience and ability to regroup of the Russian army played a significant role in Napoleon's defeat.
Deep dives
Napoleon's Retreat from Moscow
In September 1812, Napoleon invaded Russia with a large army, aiming to make the Russians adhere to the Treaty of Tilsit and join the economic blockade against Britain. However, the Russian army refused to surrender, and Napoleon's troops faced severe hardships during their stay in Moscow. With the approach of winter, food and supplies ran low, and the Russian army began their retreat. In the harsh conditions, the French army suffered greatly, losing a significant number of soldiers due to disease, desertion, and the Russian forces' harassment. The retreat had a huge impact on the balance of power in Europe, leading to the Prussians and Austrians siding against Napoleon. Overall, Napoleon's invasion of Russia demonstrated his weaknesses and marked a turning point in his military fortunes.
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