Battle of Shevardino facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Shevardino |
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| Part of the French invasion of Russia | |||||||
 Napoleon and his staff by Vasily Vereshchagin |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 French Empire Kingdom of Italy Kingdom of Naples Duchy of Warsaw |
 Russian Empire |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 36,000 | 20,000 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 4,000 | 6,000 | ||||||
The Battle of Shevardino was a fight between the French army, led by Napoleon, and the Russian army. It happened on September 5, 1812, near the village of Borodino in Russia. This battle was an important step leading up to the much larger Battle of Borodino two days later. The French army won this smaller battle.
Why the Battle Happened
Before the main battle, the Russian army set up their defenses. They built a special fort called a redoubt (a small, enclosed fort) on a hill near Shevardino village. This redoubt was shaped like a pentagon.
The Russian commander, Mikhail Kutuzov, said this fort was only meant to slow down the French. It was positioned on the left side of the main Russian defense line. This was the side where Napoleon was expected to attack.
The Battle Unfolds
The fighting began on September 5. French cavalry (soldiers on horseback) led by Marshal Joachim Murat met Russian forces. There was a huge cavalry clash. The Russians had to pull back when their side was in danger.
The battle continued the next day. The Russians retreated again when more French troops arrived. These new troops were led by Viceroy Eugène de Beauharnais.
The Russian soldiers then moved back to the Shevardino Redoubt. A fierce battle started there. French cavalry, supported by infantry (foot soldiers), attacked the fort. At the same time, Polish infantry, led by Prince Józef Poniatowski, attacked from the south.
The French managed to capture the redoubt. However, it was a costly victory. About 4,000 French soldiers and 6,000 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded. The small fort was completely destroyed, covered by the fallen soldiers from both sides.
What Happened Next
The French army's quick advance and the capture of the Shevardino Redoubt caused problems for the Russians. Their left side of defense was now open.
Because of this, the Russian forces had to move further east. They quickly built a new defense line around the village of Utitsa. This meant their left side was still vulnerable to attack. The big Battle of Borodino would start just two days later, on September 7.
See also
