Napoleonic Wars was an important milestone in the history of the entire European continent.Russia is also not remained aloof from these battles, taking part in the military campaigns of the Third, Fourth and Fifth anti-French coalition in Prussia and the Baltic States.Later becoming the first country that managed to counter the powerful enemy army spirit and courage of a common soldier and the military genius of Russian generals.Actually, the first successful Russian forces for an episode of the Napoleonic wars and World War II began in 1812.Briefly known about it, probably, each of our compatriot.Well, who has not heard of the Battle of Borodino or the retreat of Napoleon from Moscow?Let us dwell on this page of our history.
Patriotic War of 1812: on the premises briefly
course of the Napoleonic wars in their first decade formed so poorly for the opponents of the French emperor.Battle of Trafalgar, the Battle of Austerlitz, Friedland, and a number of other significant victories made Napoleon master of the whole of Europe.In 1807, as a result of military defeats Emperor Alexander I had to sign the humiliating Treaty of Tilsit Russia.Its main condition was the Russian promise to join the continental blockade of Britain.However, for Russia it was disadvantageous both politically and economically.Alexander I of the Treaty has been used only for a respite and recuperation, then broke the Russian in 1810, the conditions of the continental blockade.That, and the desire for revenge of Alexander I and the return of lost in previous battles territorial possessions, is the main reason the war of 1812.Both sides understood the inevitability of clashes since 1810.Napoleon actively threw their armies into Poland, creating a foothold there.In turn, the Russian Emperor pulled together the main military forces in the western provinces.
Patriotic War of 1812: summary of the main events
Napoleon's invasion began June 12, 1812, when he and his 600,000th army crossed the river Neman.Russian troops in the amount of 240 thousand. People were forced to retreat before the superior forces of the enemy.There were only a small battle, such as Polotsk.The first major battle took place August 3 in the Smolensk region.The victory went to the French, but the Russian managed to save part of his army.The next battle took place when the Russian army drove the talented strategist at M. Kutuzov.This is the famous Battle of Borodino, which occurred in late August.Properly selecting the geographical area and the positional arrangement of the troops, the domestic leader managed to inflict huge losses of the enemy army.The Battle of Borodino ended late in the evening on August 12 nominal victory of Napoleon.However, the heavy losses of the French army, coupled with the lack of support it in foreign lands to a large extent contributed to its retreat from Russia in the future.September 2 Kutuzov was made, as it turned out, far-sighted decision to leave the capital, which came the day after Napoleon.Last stayed there until 7 October in anticipation of the surrender or at least the start of negotiations with the Russian side.However, a fire in the city, the depletion of stocks in Napoleon's army and the guerrilla war of the local peasants forced him to leave the capital.Since mid-November, the war takes a different turn.Now, hungry and exhausted French army out of Russia after the ruin of the way, and Russian mobile connection is actively destroying it in the clashes.The final defeat occurred on November 14-16 at the river Berezina.Russia left only 30 thousand of Napoleon's soldiers.
Patriotic War of 1812: a brief on the results
war had a major impact on Russian history.The results of the War of 1812 are contradictory.On the one hand, it has caused enormous damage to the national economy, infrastructure and human potential.On the other - allowed in January 1813 to start overseas campaign of the Russian troops, ending the destruction of the French Empire and the restoration of the Bourbons in it.This actually leads to the restoration of reactionary regimes and across the continent.An important influence was exerted on the internal socio-economic and cultural processes in Russia.Thus, the officers had been in Europe formed the backbone of democratic movements in the country, led to an uprising of the Decembrists in 1825.
