The Defeat of Napoleon in 1812

The great wars that we know from the history had their own strong reasons to start with. However, for different parties and countries it might be more personal and, consequently, contain different perception. For example, I find the War of 1812 specifically interesting. If one takes the event of invasion of Moscow by Napoleon, then most of the people would say that one of the greatest generals ever known was defeated by Russians due to the cold weather and starvation. However, recently it was scientifically proved that along with the mentioned reason there was an underlying reason of the famous Napoleon’s loss.

During the recent demolishing works in Vilnius, Lithuania people found the tombs with hundreds of human bones. After the archaeological studies it was found out that the tomb was dated from French invasion and the bodies are of diseased soldiers. Latest technologies allowed scientists to study carefully the bones and state the fact that people died from the disease called typhus.

During his ruling Napoleon was regarding the England as its enemy and wanted to gain the access to India, which was then an English colony. However, as the sea was under control of England the only way to get the India was through the land, and this way was going through Russia. The Russian empire was allied with France; however, this fact didn’t stop them to continue the trading with England. That gave a reason to Napoleon to start his move toward the Russia. His initial intention was to have the capital of Russia, St-Petersburg, but due to the loss at the battle of Potolsk, he decided to move his forces towards Moscow. Napoleon succeeded in his plan and got Moscow, but the price of this victory was high. At the beginning his Grande Armée had over 600000 of well -trained soldiers, by the time of his arrival to Moscow only 90000 people of his army remained. Moreover, Napoleon expected that the citizens would accept him as conqueror and would bring the keys of the city, but nothing happened. All the nobility left by taking their belongings and leaving the city in fire. Furthermore numerous criminal gangs had been released from local prisons to terrorise the incoming troops. Of the remaining population, most were foreign merchants, French expats, servants, and others who were unable or unwilling to leave. After several weeks of staying in Moscow, Napoleon decided to retreat due to the lack of provision. By the time of his arrival to Europe the number of his army went down to 30000 of soldiers, and of that number, it is said that fewer than 1,000 were ever able to return to duty.