The Russian Campaign
In 1812 (June to December), Napoleon 1st marched 600,000 troops into Russia. After hard-fought battles (Smolensk, Borodino), the Imperial Army entered Moscow but were met with fierce resistance. Thus began the long retreat, confronted with freezing winter temperatures, disease and repeated assaults from Russian troops. After the fatal crossing of the Berezina a mere 100,000 men had survived this disastrous campaign.