Napoleon’s Infamous Retreat from Moscow: How Russia Starved the Grande Armée
How Russia’s fiery scorched-earth and freezing winters turned Napoleon’s Grand Army into history’s most infamous retreat.
On This Day in History: October 19, 1812
Imagine Napoleon Bonaparte rolling into Moscow, feeling like the biggest boss in Europe, only to discover the city was a blazing, deserted ghost town. On this very day in 1812, the French Grande Armée kicked off what would become one of history’s most notorious retreats—cold, starving, and relentlessly hounded all the way home. This wasn’t just a military retreat; it was Mother Russia’s way of saying, “Nyet, you’re not conquering me,” with snow, fire, and a whole lot of Russian grit.
What Went Wrong? Russian Scorched-Earth Tactics Explained
Napoleon’s dream of quick conquest went up in flames—literally—thanks to the Russian scorched-earth policy. The Russian forces didn’t just run away; they torched everything useful that could feed or support their enemy.
How Burning Everything to the Ground Starved Napoleon’s Army
Picture expecting a feast but finding only empty, burnt-out fields and villages. Russian troops burned crops, granaries, and towns, including much of Moscow itself. The French army, relying heavily on foraging and supply depots, was left starving. Their wagons got stuck in mud, horses dropped from exhaustion, and soldiers resorted to desperate meals like horse meat and even blood. Logistics? More like a logistical nightmare in the middle of a frozen hellscape.
Russian Guerrilla Harassment and Supply Line Disruption
While Napoleon’s men trembled from cold and hunger, Russian Cossacks and light cavalry were busy turning French supply wagons into Swiss cheese. Hit-and-run attacks on struggling French columns disrupted whatever supplies they managed to bring. The retreat wasn’t just a march—it was a gauntlet of constant harassment.
Counting the Cost: Month-by-Month Casualty Breakdown (June–October 1812)
June: Around 15,000 casualties from early skirmishes as the French crossed into Russia.
July: Fighting and attrition took roughly 20,000 more lives as the army pushed deeper.
August: The bloodiest month, with the Battle of Borodino alone costing about 25,000 French casualties.
September: Occupation of Moscow saw fewer battles but disease and exhaustion slowly whittled down the troops.
October: The start of the brutal retreat saw nearly 30,000 lost due to cold, starvation, and relentless attacks.
By this point, the Grande Armée was a shadow of its former self, decimated by combat, hunger, and the unforgiving land.
French vs Russian Numbers: Who Really Lost More?
French estimates say about 300,000 soldiers were lost throughout the campaign. Russian estimates tend to double that number, counting deaths from not just battle, but starvation, cold, and captivity. The Battle of Borodino alone has reported French casualties between 28,000 (French claim) and 50,000 (Russian claim). Meanwhile, Russian losses, especially at Borodino, were also severe but generally agreed to be lower than French losses. All agree: it was a massacre that redefined warfare and endurance.
What History Geeks Can Learn (And Laugh About) From This Fiasco
Lesson one: If you want to invade Russia, pack a lifetime supply of vodka AND winter gear. Mother Russia’s secret weapons were fire and ice, combined with some hardcore guerrilla tactics. And if a city burns itself to keep you out, maybe take the hint. This disaster is a powerful reminder that history isn’t just about grand battles—it’s about how supply lines, weather, and sheer stubbornness shape heroes... and disasters.
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FAQs
Q: Why did Napoleon invade Russia in 1812?
A: Napoleon aimed to force Russia back into his Continental System—a trade blockade against Britain. He expected a quick campaign, but things turned icy fast.
Q: What is the scorched-earth policy?
A: It’s a military strategy where retreating forces destroy anything useful—food, shelter, supplies—to deny the enemy resources.
Q: How many troops did Napoleon lose during the Russian campaign?
A: Estimates vary, but roughly 300,000 soldiers from the Grande Armée perished due to battle, starvation, disease, and the brutal winter.
Q: What role did Russian Cossacks play in the retreat?
A: They harassed French supply lines and stragglers with hit-and-run attacks, turning the retreat into a deadly nightmare.
Q: Why was the Battle of Borodino significant?
A: It was the bloodiest battle of the campaign and symbolized the stubborn Russian resistance that doomed Napoleon’s invasion.
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