French invasion of Russia facts for kids

French soldiers in Russia

The French Invasion of Russia in 1812, also known as the Russian Campaign in France (French: Campagne de Russie) and the Patriotic War of 1812 in Russia (Russian: Отечественная война 1812 года), was when Napoleon Bonaparte led the French Empire to invade Russia. It was the turning point during the Napoleonic Wars, because it was the first major defeat for Napoleon. It reduced the French and allied invasion forces (the Grande Armée) to a tiny part of their starting strength. It started a major change in European politics as it greatly weakened France's power over Europe. The French Empire's former allies, at first Prussia and then the Austrian Empire, broke their alliance with France. They went against France instead, which started the War of the Sixth Coalition.

Images for kids

The French Empire in 1812
As irregular cavalry, the Cossack horsemen of the Russian steppes were best suited to reconnaissance, scouting and harassing the enemy's flanks and supply lines.
General Raevsky leading a detachment of the Russian Imperial Guard at the Battle of Saltanovka.
Napoleon before the burning city of Smolensk
Eagles monument in Smolensk, commemorating the centenary of the Battle of Smolensk.
Michail Illarionovich Kutuzov (1745 - 1813), commander-in-chief of the Russian army on the far left, with his generals at the talks deciding to surrender Moscow to Napoleon.
Napoleon and his staff at Borodino
Pyotr Bagration giving orders during the Battle of Borodino while being wounded
Napoleon and General Lauriston — Peace at all costs! by Vasily Vereshchagin.
Area of Moscow destroyed by the fire in red
Napoleon and his marshals struggle to manage the deteriorating situation in the retreat.
Bad News from France, painting depicting Napoleon encamped in a Russian Orthodox church (Vasily Vereshchagin, part of his series, "Napoleon, 1812", 1887–95).
Napoleon's crossing of the Berezina
Napoleon's retreat by Vasily Vereshchagin
French Army in the Town Hall Square of Vilnius during the retreat
The Night Bivouac of Napoleon's Army during retreat from Russia in 1812. Oil on canvas. Historical Museum, Moscow, Russia.
A hall of military fame in the Winter Palace with portraits of the Russian war heroes
Monument to Kutuzov in front of the Kazan Cathedral in Saint Petersburg. The Kazan Cathedral and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow were built to commemorate the Russian victory against Napoleon.