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# The Invasion of Russia The following notes provide a summary of Napoleon's invasion of Russia: **Causes:** * **Czar withdrew from the Continental System:** This action prompted Napoleon to invade Russia. * **Nationalism:** Extreme patriotism became a weapon against Napoleon. * **Russia's army a...

# The Invasion of Russia The following notes provide a summary of Napoleon's invasion of Russia: **Causes:** * **Czar withdrew from the Continental System:** This action prompted Napoleon to invade Russia. * **Nationalism:** Extreme patriotism became a weapon against Napoleon. * **Russia's army and absolute monarch:** Russia possessed a large, well-trained army with a powerful leader. * **Napoleon's decision to move 400,000 soldiers and 50,000 horses into Russia in September 1812.** **Results:** * **Scorched-earth policy:** Russia implemented an effective scorched-earth policy to hinder Napoleon's advance. * **Napoleon's troops returned in the winter:** This proved disastrous for the French army. * **Failure:** The campaign was a complete failure; only 28,000 soldiers survived, and 10,000 were fit to fight upon return. * **Napoleon's Abdication and Exile:** Following the Russian campaign, Napoleon abdicated and was exiled. **Additional Information:** * **Alliance formed to attack Napoleon:** Following the disastrous Russian campaign, Britain, Russia, and Austria formed an alliance to counter Napoleon's forces. * **Louis XVIII as King:** Louis XVIII was crowned king of France after Napoleon's abdication. * **Economic downturn:** France faced significant economic problems after the war. * **Return from exile and Battle of Waterloo:** In 1815, Napoleon returned from exile. A decisive battle, the Battle of Waterloo, saw his defeat by the British and Prussian forces in June, 1815. * **Exile and Death:** Napoleon was exiled again and died some years later. **Summary of Casualties:** France lost a total of 300,000 men.