The French army seemed invincible until it went to Russia. Here she suffered a crushing defeat. In what year did Napoleon attack Russia? Before answering this question, let us recall the events that preceded the war between two powerful states.
Battle of Friedland
In 1807, a battle took place forty kilometers from Koenigsberg, which ended in the defeat of the Russian army. This was another victory of Napoleon. The current name of Friedland is Pravdinsk. This city is part of the Kaliningrad region, which became Soviet territory in 1946. But the story of Konigsberg and its environs is not directly related to the topic of today's story and does not provide an answer to the question of what year Napoleon attacked Russia. We remembered this battle, because its outcome led to the fact that Alexander I was forced to conclude an agreement inconvenient for Russia. It was called the Tilsit world and assumed accession to the continental blockade of Great Britain.
The contract concluded with Napoleon , not only went against the interests of the country, but also insulted the feelings of Russian nobles. However, it provided an opportunity to accumulate strength for the upcoming war, which was not far off.
In 1808, Russia took possession of Finland, as well as some other minor territories. The ambitious Corsican, meanwhile, made his way closer to the borders of the great empire. In what year did Napoleon attack Russia? Consider the terms of the peace agreement. Perhaps they will bring us closer to the answer to this question.
Tilsit world
Let's talk about the negotiations between Russia and France before recalling when Napoleon attacked Russia. The start date of the negotiations is July 13, 1807. It lasted twelve days. As a result, a peace treaty was concluded, the terms of which the Russian aristocrats did not like so much. Later, many legends arose that narrated the meeting of Napoleon with Alexander I. Even medallions were made, depicting emperors hugging.
So, the rulers of the two states met. What were they talking about? Nobody heard their conversation. Napoleon and Alexander I talked for more than an hour on a raft, which was located in the middle of the river, in a covered pavilion. They did not need a translator - the Russian emperor spoke in French better than in his native language. It is known that Napoleon all this time tried to persuade his opponent to conclude an alliance with him. In exchange, he promised to help get Finland and the Balkan Peninsula. At the same time, he decided to keep Constantinople. In what year did Napoleon attack Russia? The date will be announced a little later.
Bonaparte did not like the conditions offered to the Russian emperor. He stood his ground for a long time. After negotiations in the circle of his close associates, Napoleon called him a real "Byzantine", that is, a strong man, able to stand his ground. Still, in some ways, Alexander lost. I had to conclude an agreement, which for several years was discussed indignantly in Russian aristocratic circles.
Terms of an agreement
What did the emperors decide on that significant July day? Russia pledged to fulfill the following conditions:
- Recognize the conquests of France.
- Maintain a blockade against the UK.
- Withdraw troops from Wallachia and Moldova.
- Do not interfere with Napoleon’s policies on the Ionian Islands.
Among the conditions was one more . And this clause in the contract, perhaps, gives a hint to the question of what year Napoleon attacked Russia . According to the Tilsit Peace, Napoleon was no longer supposed to assist Turkey in the war that she waged with Russia. But this war began in 1806 and lasted six years.
The blockade of the uk
Russian-French relations rapidly deteriorated. The fact is that the continental blockade of Britain was extremely disadvantageous. The Russian government created all sorts of ways to get around one of the points of the peace agreement. And then there were several more events that, it would seem, were not related to politics. But this is only at first glance .
The question of what year Napoleon attacked Russia would never have arisen, probably if the French emperor had not received a refusal from the sister of Alexander I. Napoleon made an offer to Grand Duchess Catherine. She refused, citing the fact that she was already engaged. Then he proposed another Grand Duchess - Anna. But here, too, the Corsican expected failure. But I really wanted to make friends with the Romanovs and strengthen their imperial status! He had no choice but to marry the daughter of the Austrian ruler. Relations between Russia and France have deteriorated sharply. This happened in 1810. Soon the war was to begin. In what year did Napoleon attack Russia? The answer to this question is very close.
The impact of the contract on the economy
The peace agreement with Napoleon in Russia primarily affected landowners and merchants. And this, of course, reflected negatively on the state treasury. In 1810, Russia established trade with Great Britain through intermediaries. This increased customs rates on products exported from France, which Napoleon could not like.
Some researchers believe that the Russian economy is not very much affected by the so-called blockade of Britain. On the contrary , the limited import of goods stimulated domestic production. In addition, the UK did not ship essential goods. So, without English coffee and sugar in Russia in those days, they did very well. As for salt, it was produced in excess in the territory of the Russian Empire.
Russian-French intrigues
Both Napoleon and Alexander I from time to time violated some points of the peace agreement. Distrust grew every month. It became clear that the war would begin very soon.
About the enemy you need to have as much information as possible. Napoleon knew this very well, and therefore thoroughly studied the economic and martial law of Russia. A huge number of informants appeared in Moscow and St. Petersburg, who entered the country under the guise of travelers, monks, merchants, tutors . Among them were not only French, but also Poles. Russian intelligence also worked perfectly. Twice a month, Alexander I received detailed information regarding the size of the French army and all sorts of changes that were taking place in it.
Opponents military forces
In 1811, the French army, according to official figures, numbered more than 400 thousand troops. It was later proved that this information was exaggerated. The size of the great army was no more than 230 thousand people. With the armament of the French, the situation was excellent. The weak side of Napoleon's army was a rather motley national composition. There were Germans and Poles. In total, representatives of 16 nationalities were present among the military personnel. In terms of technical and material support, Russia was not inferior to France. As for the number - exceeded. The weaknesses were embezzlement, theft of commissary officials and various official abuses.
The beginning of hostilities
Napoleon attacked Russia without declaring war from the Kovno fortress. According to the generally accepted version, his goal was Moscow. Later, many semi-legends appeared, telling about how the French emperor, in the circle of his associates, dreamed of how to capture the capital, thereby parasitizing Russia to the very heart. There is another version. Napoleon still dreamed of a blockade of Britain. He sought an alliance with Russia, for which he went to its borders.
Napoleon attacked Russia in 1812. The vanguard of the French troops entered the Russian fortress on June 12. Alexander I was informed about this event at a time when he was at a ball in Vilna. The first clash with the Russian army occurred near Barbarishki . A few days later a city was taken in which not so long ago the Russian emperor was dancing at a ball with the grand dukes. Alexander I invited Napoleon to make peace, but he refused. And went to Moscow.
The decisive battle, as you know, occurred in the village of Borodino near Moscow. Kutuzov could not escape him, not only for political, but also for moral reasons . The Russian army retreated.
Burnt city
September 14, Napoleon managed to take Moscow, and without a fight. Already on this night, the Russian capital was in fire. Napoleon did not have to stay in the Kremlin for a long time - on September 16, he left Belokamennaya. Ahead of him was a long, hard way home. The great army was lost in the vast Russian expanses. Napoleon’s army was experienced, it consisted of courageous soldiers, but could not stand the harsh climate.