16. A Series of Missteps on Napoleon’s Route to Catastrophe
In 1812, just before he invaded Russia, Napoleon bestrode Europe and was at the height of his power. By year’s end, he had suffered an epic defeat, and began the downward slide that culminated two years later in his exile to St. Helena. His first misstep was his poor choice of subordinates. Napoleon’s aim was to bring Russia’s Tsar to heel by decisively defeating his army as soon as possible. However, he appointed his unqualified stepson, Prince Eugene, to a major command, and the inexperienced youth allowed the Russians to retreat. Napoleon then plunged into Russia, following the Tsar’s army for hundreds of miles as it retreated, refusing to give battle and scorching the countryside. He had planned to halt at Smolensk, go into winter quarters, and resume the campaign the following year. But once in Smolensk, he decided to continue on to Moscow.
