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Strange History

15 Tiny Historical Mistakes That Caused Massive Disasters

4. Napoleon Forgets Winter in Russia

4. Napoleon Forgets Winter in Russia
Napoleon’s 1812 invasion faltered against Russia’s brutal winter, decimating the Grande Armée.

In 1812, Napoleon’s invasion of Russia was marred by his failure to prepare his army for the harsh Russian winter. The Grande Armée, initially numbering over 400,000 men, faced severe cold, inadequate clothing, and insufficient supplies during their retreat from Moscow. This oversight led to massive troop losses, with only about 50,000 soldiers surviving the ordeal. For a detailed analysis, see History Extra’s article on Napoleon’s Russian campaign. (historyextra.com)

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