Battle of Liaskowa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Liaskowa
Part of the French invasion of Russia
Cossacks were an irregular Russian cavalry best suited for the attack of the enemy’s supply lines without joining a major battle.
Date 9 November 1812 Location Liaskowa/Lyakhovo, 40 km southeast of Smolensk, Russian Empire 54°33′58″N 32°36′11″E / 54.56611°N 32.60306°E / 54.56611; 32.60306 Result Russian victory
Belligerents
Russian Empire	French Empire
Commanders and leaders
Orlov-Denisov Denis Davydov Aleksandr Figner A. Seslavin [ru]	J.-P. Augereau [fr]
Strength
3,500 4 cannons	2,000
Casualties and losses
200	2,000

The Battle of Liaskowa (also called Lyakhovo) happened on November 9, 1812. It took place near the village of Liaskowa in the Russian Empire. In this battle, about 3,500 Cossacks, who were skilled Russian horsemen, fought against 2,000 soldiers from Napoleon's French army. The Cossacks were led by commanders like Vasily Orlov-Denisov, Denis Davydov, and Aleksandr Figner. The French soldiers were under the command of Jean-Pierre Augereau. The battle was a part of the larger French invasion of Russia.

Why the Battle Happened

Napoleon's Retreat from Moscow

In 1812, the French army, known as the Grande Armée (which means "Great Army"), invaded Russia. They marched all the way to Moscow. However, they had to retreat because of the harsh Russian winter and strong Russian resistance.

Russian Strategy

The Russian commander, Mikhail Kutuzov, used a smart plan. Instead of fighting Napoleon's main army directly, he let his Cossack troops and local peasants attack the French. This was called "guerrilla warfare" and "people's war." It meant small, quick attacks that slowly weakened the French army. As the French retreated from Moscow towards Poland, Kutuzov's main army followed them from a distance. They stayed on different roads, in areas where supplies were still available. This way, the French army became weaker and weaker.

The Battle of Liaskowa

On November 9, 1812, the 3,500 Russian Cossacks found a group of 2,000 French soldiers. These French soldiers were part of the Grande Armée and were led by Jean-Pierre Augereau. The Cossacks managed to surround the French troops. This meant they completely circled them, making it hard for the French to escape or get help.

The Cossacks then attacked the surrounded French soldiers. They fought bravely and defeated the French army. As a result, 1,750 French soldiers were captured as prisoners. This was a big victory for the Russians.

What Happened Next

After the Battle of Liaskowa, the Grande Armée continued its difficult retreat. Their next major fight was the Battle of Krasnoi. The Russian victory at Liaskowa showed how effective the Cossack attacks were in weakening Napoleon's army during its retreat.

See also

• List of battles of the French invasion of Russia