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Reasons on Why Napoleon Had Lost the Campaign of 1812
Essay title: Reasons on Why Napoleon Had Lost the Campaign of 1812
Napoleons Reasons for Defeat
The Campaign of 1812 should have been a another crusade for Napoleon,
but he now faced 2 new policies that he had never faced before, the severe Russian
winter and the notorious scorched-earth policy. On June 23, 1812 Napoleons
Grande Armee, over 500,000 men strong, poured over the Russian border. An
equal amount of Russian forces awaited them. The result of the campaign was a
surprise. Two authors, General carl von Clausewitz and Brett James, show
similarities in reasons why Napoleon had lost this campaign to Russia.
Napoleon believed that after a few quick victorious battles, he could
convince Alexander to return to the Continental System. He also decided that if he
occupied Moscow, the Russian government would crumple and ask for peace.
” A single blow delivered at the heart of the Russian Empire, at Moscow the Great,
at Moscow the Holy, will instantly put this whole blind, apathetic mass at my
mercy.” pg 6, 1812 Napoleons Defeat in Russia
This was his belief he expressed in March 1812. However, when Napoleon
eventually took over Moscow, the Tsar still did not surrender. Napoleon, sent a
message to the Tsar, demanding a immediate surrender. However, the Tsar could
not surrender because if he did, he would be assassinated by the nobles.
Clausewitz replies by saying, ” Napoleon was unable to grasp the fact that
Alexander would not, could not negotiate. The Tsar knew well that he would be
disposed and assassinated if he tried so.” pg 256, The Campaign of 1812 in
Russia
General Clausewitz said, “Napoleon believed if he defeated the Russian Army and
occupied Moscow, the Russian leadership will fall apart and the government
would call for peace.” pg 253, The Campaign of 1812 in Russia
Brett James also agreed that Napoleons occupation had no result. ” The
occupation of Napoleon in Moscow did not have a effect on the government.” pg
13, 1812 Napoleons Defeat in Russia
With his battle plan set, Napoleon prepared his troops for the attack on
Russia. But, Napoleon did not consider the fierce Russian winter which awaited
him. According to Ludwig Wilhelm Gottlob Schlosser, a onlooker, he described
the army by saying,
” The French, down to the lowliest drummer were very fastidious. These poor
French devils were not satisfied with less than soup, meat and vegetables, roast,
and salad for their midday meal, and there was no sign of their famous frugality.
They were completely devoid of the coming winter.” pg 13, 1812 Napoleons
Defeat in Russia
Napoleon was even warned by General Rapp about the extremities of the
oncoming winter in Russia.
” The natives say we shall have a severe winter,” Napoleon retorted scornfully, ”
Bah! You and your natives! We shall see how fine it is.” pg 147, 1812
Napoleons Defeat in Russia
Napoleon should have heeded Rapps words. As the Grand Armee marched toward
Moscow, many horses and men were lost in the freezing snow, and for those who
remained, their morale and effectiveness was at the nadir.
General