V. The Modern Period, 1789–1914 > B. The French Revolution and Europe, 1789–1914 > 3. The Napoleonic Period, 1799–1815 > b. The First Empire > 2. Foreign Affairs > 1813, June 21
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  The Encyclopedia of World History.  2001.
 
 
1813, June 21
 
Wellington defeated Jourdan at Vittoria. Wellington invaded southern France. Marshal Suchet was driven out of Valencia into Barcelona.  1
 
1814, March 12
 
Wellington crossed the French frontier and captured Bordeaux.  2
RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN. Napoleon and Alexander were both eager for leadership in Europe. Napoleon's marriage and alliance with the Austrians, as well as fear that Napoleon hoped to restore Poland under the duchy of Warsaw, led Alexander to break with Napoleon. At the same time, Napoleon resented Alexander's unwillingness to honor the Continental System. France amassed a Grand Army of about 600,000 men consisting of forces from throughout Europe. Austria supplied 30,000 men, and Prussia, 20,000 (their forces formed the right and left wings of the advancing army, respectively). In the spring of 1812, Russia made peace with the Ottomans, the Swedes, and the British.  3
 
1812, June 26
 
Napoleon passed over the Niemen River and occupied Vilna, while the Russians, under Barclay de Tolly, retreated without offering battle.  4
 
Aug. 17–19
 
The French destroyed Smolensk.  5
 
Sept. 7
 
Gen. Michael Kutuzov, replacing de Tolly, was defeated at the bloody Battle of Borodino. The French lost approximately 30,000, and the Russians left 45,000 dead and wounded behind as they retreated under cover of darkness.  6
 
Sept. 14
 
Napoleon occupied Moscow. By not defending Moscow, Kutuzov saved the Russian army for an attack once French supply lines had been severely taxed. This attack began as Napoleon, hampered by problems of supply, began a retreat from Moscow on Oct. 19.  7
 
Nov. 26–28
 
Napoleon's army virtually disintegrated after the Crossing of the Berezina (Nov. 26–28). Ney and Oudinot, with 8,500 men, forced the passage against 25,000 Russians. The Russian winter had set in, and troops suffered from the cold and hunger.  8
 
Dec. 19
 
Napoleon arrived in Paris while the remainder of the army (not more than 100,000 men) straggled across the Niemen. He sought to consolidate French support and downplay the terrific losses inflicted by the Russian campaign.  9
 
 
 
The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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