Advance into Russia

Napoleon’s advance into Russia began in June 1812 when the Grande Armée crossed the Niemen with forces drawn from across the French Empire and its allies. Russian armies repeatedly withdrew rather than allow the decisive battle Napoleon sought, stretching French supply lines across enormous distances.

The campaign passed through severe fighting at Smolensk and culminated in the bloody Battle of Borodino in September. Napoleon entered Moscow soon afterwards, but the largely abandoned and fire-damaged city did not produce the political settlement he expected, leaving the invading army deep inside Russia as autumn approached.