USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Napoleon failed to conquer Russia in 1812 for several reasons: faulty logistics, poor discipline, disease, and not the least, the weather. Napoleon’s method of warfare was based on rapid concentration of his forces at a key place to destroy his enemy.

Detailed explanation-2: -The Russian army refused to engage with Napoleon’s Grande Armée of more than 500, 000 European troops. They simply retreated into the Russian interior. The Grande Armée did not have the supplies or the distribution networks required for such a long march.

Detailed explanation-3: -The fleeing Russian forces adopted a “scorched earth” strategy, seizing or burning any supplies that the French might pillage from the countryside. Meanwhile, Napoleon’s supply lines became overextended as he advanced deeper and deeper into the Russian expanse.

Detailed explanation-4: -French invasion of Russia, invasion of Russia by Napoleon I’s Grande Armée from October to December in 1812. The French army was forced to retreat after Russian forces refused to engage in battle with them, which resulted in the deaths of more than 400, 000 French soldiers, the vast majority from cold and starvation.

Detailed explanation-5: -What challenges did the French army face in the Russian campaign? Supplies were lost or spoiled. The Russian army kept retreating. The harsh climate.