French invasion of Russia facts for kids
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
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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.
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Cossacks feigning retreat against Polish uhlans at the Battle of Mir
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Napoleon and Prince Poniatowski before the burning city of Smolensk
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Napoleon's retreat by Vasily Vereshchagin
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The night bivouac of Napoleon's army during the retreat from Russia
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The hall of military fame in the Winter Palace with portraits of Russian generals
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Bad News from France, painting depicting Napoleon encamped in a Russian Orthodox church (Vasily Vereshchagin, part of his series, "Napoleon, 1812", 1887–95)
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The Eagles monument in Smolensk, commemorating the centenary of the Battle of Smolensk