Outline map of the Patriotic War of 1812

Equipment: map “Patriotic War of 1812”; animated diagrams; personalities (portraits of war participants); reproductions of paintings: War of 1812 through the eyes of artists; dates, concepts. New terms and dates 1812; June 12, 1812; September 2, 1812; October 12, 1812; Patriotic War; November 18, 1812; August 26, 1812 - Battle of Borodino; partisans; civil uprising; flushes; redoubt; battery; fodder. Preliminary preparation Individual students prepare messages: “Napoleon Bonaparte”, “Commanders: M.I. Kutuzov, P.I. Bagration, M.B. Barclay de Tolly, A.P. Tormasov”, “Partisan heroes: D.I. Davydov, A.S. Figner, A. Seslavin, V. Kozhina, G. Kurin”, “The War of 1812 in Russian Poetry” (the student must find and learn two excerpts from “Borodino” by M. Yu. Lermontov and an excerpt from a poem by A.S. Pushkin ). Lesson type: combined. Lesson method: explanatory and illustrative with elements of problematic questions and assignments.

Slide 2 from the presentation "Patriotic War of 1812". The size of the archive with the presentation is 12942 KB.

History 10th grade

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The Patriotic War of 1812 began on June 12 - on this day Napoleon's troops crossed the Neman River, starting a war between the two crowns of France and Russia. This war lasted until December 14, 1812, ending with the complete and unconditional victory of the Russian and allied forces. This is a nice page Russian history, which we will consider, referring to the official history textbooks of Russia and France, as well as to the books of bibliographers Napoleon, Alexander 1 and Kutuzov, who describe in great detail the events taking place at that moment.

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Start of the war

Causes of the War of 1812

The causes of the Patriotic War of 1812, like all other wars in the history of mankind, must be considered in two aspects - the causes on the part of France and the causes on the part of Russia.

Reasons from France

In just a few years, Napoleon radically changed his own ideas about Russia. If, upon coming to power, he wrote that Russia was his only ally, then by 1812 Russia had become a threat to France (consider the emperor) a threat. In many ways, this was provoked by Alexander 1 himself. So, this is why France attacked Russia in June 1812:

1. Violation of the Tilsit agreements: easing of the continental blockade. As you know, the main enemy of France at that time was England, against which the blockade was organized. Russia also participated in this, but in 1810 the government passed a law allowing trade with England through intermediaries. This effectively rendered the entire blockade ineffective, which completely undermined France's plans.
2. Refusals in dynastic marriage. Napoleon sought to marry into the Russian imperial court in order to become “God’s anointed.” However, in 1808 he was denied marriage to Princess Catherine. In 1810 he was denied marriage to Princess Anna. As a result, in 1811 the French emperor married an Austrian princess.
3. Transfer of Russian troops to the border with Poland in 1811. In the first half of 1811, Alexander 1 ordered the transfer of 3 divisions to the Polish borders, fearing an uprising of Poland, which could spread to Russian lands. This step was regarded by Napoleon as aggression and preparation for war for Polish territories, which by that time were already subordinate to France.

Soldiers! A new, second Polish war begins! The first ended in Tilsit. There, Russia promised to be an eternal ally for France in the war with England, but broke its promise. The Russian emperor does not want to give explanations for his actions until the French eagles cross the Rhine. Do they really think that we have become different? Are we really not the winners of Austerlitz? Russia presented France with a choice - shame or war. The choice is obvious! Let's go ahead, let's cross the Neman! The second Polish howl will be glorious for French arms. She will bring a messenger to the destructive influence of Russia on European affairs.

Thus began a war of conquest for France.

Reasons from Russia

Russia also had compelling reasons for participating in the war, which turned out to be a liberation war for the state. The main reasons include the following:

1. Large losses for all segments of the population from the break in trade with England. The opinions of historians on this point differ, since it is believed that the blockade did not affect the state as a whole, but exclusively its elite, who, as a result of the lack of opportunity to trade with England, lost money.
2. France's intention to recreate the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. In 1807, Napoleon created the Duchy of Warsaw and sought to recreate ancient state in true size. Perhaps this was only in the event of the seizure of its western lands from Russia.
3. Napoleon's violation of the Peace of Tilsit. One of the main criteria for signing this agreement was that Prussia should be cleared of French troops, but this was never done, although Alexander 1 constantly reminded about this.

For a long time, France has been trying to encroach on Russia's independence. We always tried to be meek, hoping to deflect her attempts to seize us. With all our desire to maintain peace, we are forced to gather troops to defend our Motherland. There are no possibilities for a peaceful resolution of the conflict with France, which means there is only one thing left - to defend the truth, to defend Russia from invaders. I don't need to remind commanders and soldiers about courage, it's in our hearts. The blood of the victors, the blood of the Slavs, flows in our veins. Soldiers! You defend the country, defend the religion, defend the fatherland. I'm with you. God is with us.

Balance of forces and means at the beginning of the war

Napoleon's crossing of the Neman occurred on June 12, with 450 thousand people at his disposal. Around the end of the month, another 200 thousand people joined him. If we take into account that by that time there were no large losses on both sides, then the total number of the French army at the start of hostilities in 1812 was 650 thousand soldiers. It is impossible to say that the French made up 100% of the army, since the combined army of almost all European countries fought on the side of France (France, Austria, Poland, Switzerland, Italy, Prussia, Spain, Holland). However, it was the French who formed the basis of the army. These were proven soldiers who had won many victories with their emperor.

Russia after mobilization had 590 thousand soldiers. Initially, the army numbered 227 thousand people, and they were divided on three fronts:

• Northern - First Army. Commander - Mikhail Bogdanovich Barclay de Toli. Number of people: 120 thousand people. They were located in the north of Lithuania and covered St. Petersburg.
• Central - Second Army. Commander - Pyotr Ivanovich Bagration. Number of people: 49 thousand people. They were located in the south of Lithuania, covering Moscow.
• Southern - Third Army. Commander - Alexander Petrovich Tormasov. Number of people: 58 thousand people. They were located in Volyn, covering the attack on Kyiv.

Also in Russia, partisan detachments were active, the number of which reached 400 thousand people.

The first stage of the war - The offensive of Napoleon's troops (June-September)

At 6 o'clock in the morning on June 12, 1812, Russia began Patriotic War with Napoleonic France. Napoleon's troops crossed the Neman and headed inland. The main direction of the attack was supposed to be on Moscow. The commander himself said that “if I capture Kyiv, I will lift the Russians by the feet, if I capture St. Petersburg, I will take them by the throat, if I take Moscow, I will strike the heart of Russia.”

The French army, commanded by brilliant commanders, was looking for a general battle, and the fact that Alexander 1 divided the army into 3 fronts was very beneficial to the aggressors. However, on initial stage Barclay de Toly played a decisive role, who gave the order not to engage in battle with the enemy and to retreat deeper into the country. This was necessary to combine forces, as well as to strengthen reserves. Retreating, the Russians destroyed everything - they killed livestock, poisoned water, burned fields. In the literal sense of the word, the French moved forward through the ashes. Later, Napoleon complained that the Russian people were carrying out a vile war and did not behave according to the rules.

Northern direction

Napoleon sent 32 thousand people led by General MacDonald to St. Petersburg. The first city on this route was Riga. According to the French plan, MacDonald was supposed to capture the city. Connect with General Oudinot (he had 28 thousand people at his disposal) and move on.

The defense of Riga was commanded by General Essen with 18 thousand soldiers. He burned everything around the city, and the city itself was very well fortified. By this time, MacDonald had captured Dinaburg (the Russians abandoned the city at the beginning of the war) and did not take further active action. He understood the absurdity of the assault on Riga and waited for the arrival of artillery.

General Oudinot occupied Polotsk and from there tried to separate Wittenstein's corps from the army of Barclay de Toly. However, on July 18, Wittenstein launched an unexpected blow on Oudinot, who was saved from defeat only by Saint-Cyr's corps, which arrived in time. As a result, balance came and no more active offensive operations were carried out in the northern direction.

South direction

General Ranier with an army of 22 thousand people was supposed to act in the young direction, blocking the army of General Tormasov, preventing it from connecting with the rest of the Russian army.

On July 27, Tormasov surrounded the city of Kobrin, where Ranier’s main forces gathered. The French suffered a terrible defeat - in 1 day 5 thousand people were killed in the battle, which forced the French to retreat. Napoleon realized that the southern direction in the Patriotic War of 1812 was in danger of failure. Therefore, he transferred General Schwarzenberg’s troops there, numbering 30 thousand people. As a result of this, on August 12, Tormasov was forced to retreat to Lutsk and take up defense there. In the future, active offensive actions on south direction the French did not do so. The main events took place in the Moscow direction.

The course of events of the offensive company

On June 26, the army of General Bagration advanced from Vitebsk, whose task Alexander 1 set to engage in battle with the main forces of the enemy in order to wear them down. Everyone realized the absurdity of this idea, but only by July 17 was it possible to finally dissuade the emperor from this idea. The troops began to retreat to Smolensk.

On July 6, the large number of Napoleon's troops became clear. To prevent the Patriotic War from dragging on for a long time, Alexander 1 signed a decree on the creation of a militia. Literally all residents of the country are enrolled in it - there are about 400 thousand volunteers in total.

On July 22, the armies of Bagration and Barclay de Tolly united near Smolensk. The command of the united army was taken over by Barclay de Tolly, who had 130 thousand soldiers at his disposal, while the front line of the French army numbered 150 thousand soldiers.

On July 25, a military council was held in Smolensk, at which the issue of accepting the battle was discussed in order to launch a counteroffensive and defeat Napoleon with one blow. But Barclay spoke out against this idea, realizing that an open battle with an enemy, a brilliant strategist and tactician, could lead to a monumental failure. As a result, the offensive idea was not implemented. It was decided to retreat further - to Moscow.

On July 26, the retreat of the troops began, which General Neverovsky was supposed to cover by occupying the village of Krasnoye, thereby closing the bypass of Smolensk for Napoleon.

On August 2, Murat with a cavalry corps tried to break through the defenses of Neverovsky, but to no avail. In total, more than 40 attacks were launched with the help of cavalry, but it was not possible to achieve the desired result.

August 5 is one of the important dates in the Patriotic War of 1812. Napoleon began the assault on Smolensk, capturing the suburbs by evening. However, at night he was driven out of the city, and the Russian army continued its massive retreat from the city. This caused a storm of discontent among the soldiers. They believed that if they managed to drive the French out of Smolensk, then it was necessary to destroy it there. They accused Barclay of cowardice, but the general implemented only one plan - to wear down the enemy and take a decisive battle when the balance of forces was on the side of Russia. By this time, the French had all the advantage.

On August 17, Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov arrived in the army and took command. This candidacy did not raise any questions, since Kutuzov (a student of Suvorov) was highly respected and was considered the best Russian commander after the death of Suvorov. Having arrived in the army, the new commander-in-chief wrote that he had not yet decided what to do next: “The question has not yet been resolved - either lose the army, or give up Moscow.”

On August 26, the Battle of Borodino took place. Its outcome still raises many questions and disputes, but there were no losers then. Each commander solved his own problems: Napoleon opened his way to Moscow (the heart of Russia, as the Emperor of France himself wrote), and Kutuzov was able to inflict heavy damage on the enemy, thereby making the initial turning point in the battle of 1812.

September 1 is a significant day, which is described in all history textbooks. A military council was held in Fili, near Moscow. Kutuzov gathered his generals to decide what to do next. There were only two options: retreat and surrender Moscow, or organize a second general battle after Borodino. Most generals, on the wave of success, demanded a battle so that as soon as possible defeat Napoleon. Kutuzov himself and Barclay de Tolly opposed this development of events. The military council in Fili ended with Kutuzov’s phrase “As long as there is an army, there is hope. If we lose the army near Moscow, we will lose not only the ancient capital, but also all of Russia.”

September 2 - following the results of the military council of generals, which took place in Fili, it was decided that it was necessary to leave the ancient capital. The Russian army retreated, and Moscow itself, before the arrival of Napoleon, according to many sources, was subjected to terrible looting. However, this is not even the main thing. Retreating, the Russian army set the city on fire. Wooden Moscow burned down almost three-quarters. The most important thing is that literally all food warehouses were destroyed. The reasons for the Moscow fire lie in the fact that the French would not get anything that could be used by the enemies for food, movement or in other aspects. As a result, the aggressor troops found themselves in a very precarious position.

The second stage of the war - Napoleon's retreat (October - December)

Having occupied Moscow, Napoleon considered the mission completed. The commander's bibliographers later wrote that he was faithful - a loss historical center Rus''s victorious spirit would be broken, and the country's leaders had to come to him asking for peace. But this did not happen. Kutuzov settled down with his army 80 kilometers from Moscow near Tarutin and waited until the enemy army, deprived of normal supplies, weakened and itself made a radical change in the Patriotic War. Without waiting for a peace offer from Russia, the French emperor himself took the initiative.

Napoleon's quest for peace

According to Napoleon's original plan, the capture of Moscow was to be decisive. Here it was possible to establish a convenient bridgehead, including for a campaign against St. Petersburg, the capital of Russia. However, the delay in moving around Russia and the heroism of the people, who fought for literally every piece of land, practically thwarted this plan. After all, a trip to the north of Russia in winter for the French army with irregular food supplies actually amounted to death. This became clearly clear towards the end of September, when it began to get colder. Subsequently, Napoleon wrote in his autobiography that his biggest mistake was the campaign against Moscow and the month spent there.

Realizing the gravity of his situation, the French emperor and commander decided to end the Patriotic War of Russia by signing a peace treaty with it. Three such attempts were made:

1. September 18. A message was sent through General Tutolmin to Alexander 1, which stated that Napoleon revered the Russian emperor and offered him peace. All that is required from Russia is to give up the territory of Lithuania and return to the continental blockade again.
2. September 20. Alexander 1 received a second letter from Napoleon with a peace proposal. The conditions offered were the same as before. The Russian emperor did not respond to these messages.
3. The 4th of October. The hopelessness of the situation led to Napoleon literally begging for peace. This is what he writes to Alexander 1 (according to the major French historian F. Segur): “I need peace, I need it, at all costs, just save your honor.” This proposal was delivered to Kutuzov, but the Emperor of France never received a response.

Retreat of the French army in the autumn-winter of 1812

It became obvious to Napoleon that he would not be able to sign a peace treaty with Russia, and that staying for the winter in Moscow, which the Russians had burned while retreating, was reckless. Moreover, it was impossible to stay here, since constant raids by militias caused great damage to the army. So, during the month that the French army was in Moscow, its strength decreased by 30 thousand people. As a result, the decision was made to retreat.

On October 7, preparations began for the retreat of the French army. One of the orders on this occasion was to blow up the Kremlin. Fortunately, this idea did not work out for him. Russian historians attribute this to the fact that due to high humidity, the wicks got wet and failed.

On October 19, the retreat of Napoleon's army from Moscow began. The purpose of this retreat was to reach Smolensk, since it was the only major nearby city that had significant food supplies. The road went through Kaluga, but Kutuzov blocked this direction. Now the advantage was on the side of the Russian army, so Napoleon decided to bypass. However, Kutuzov foresaw this maneuver and met the enemy army at Maloyaroslavets.

On October 24, the battle of Maloyaroslavets took place. During the day, this small town passed from one side to the other 8 times. In the final stage of the battle, Kutuzov managed to take fortified positions, and Napoleon did not dare to storm them, since the numerical superiority was already on the side of the Russian army. As a result, the French plans were thwarted, and they had to retreat to Smolensk along the same road along which they went to Moscow. It was already a scorched land - without food and without water.

Napoleon's retreat was accompanied by heavy losses. Indeed, in addition to clashes with Kutuzov’s army, we also had to deal with partisan detachments that daily attacked the enemy, especially his rear units. Napoleon's losses were terrible. On November 9, he managed to capture Smolensk, but this did not bring a fundamental change in the course of the war. There was practically no food in the city, and it was not possible to organize a reliable defense. As a result, the army was subjected to almost continuous attacks by militias and local patriots. Therefore, Napoleon stayed in Smolensk for 4 days and decided to retreat further.

Crossing the Berezina River

The French were heading to the Berezina River (in modern Belarus) to cross the river and cross to the Neman. But on November 16, General Chichagov captured the city of Borisov, which is located on the Berezina. Napoleon's situation became catastrophic - for the first time, the possibility of being captured was actively looming for him, since he was surrounded.

On November 25, by order of Napoleon, the French army began to imitate a crossing south of Borisov. Chichagov bought into this maneuver and began transferring troops. At this point, the French built two bridges across the Berezina and began crossing on November 26-27. Only on November 28, Chichagov realized his mistake and tried to give battle to the French army, but it was too late - the crossing was completed, albeit with a loss huge amount human lives. 21 thousand French died while crossing the Berezina! The “Great Army” now consisted of only 9 thousand soldiers, most of whom were already incapacitated.

It was during this crossing that an unusual occurrence occurred. very coldy, to which the French emperor referred, justifying the huge losses. The 29th bulletin, which was published in one of the newspapers in France, said that until November 10 the weather was normal, but after that very severe cold came, for which no one was prepared.

Crossing the Neman (from Russia to France)

The crossing of the Berezina showed that Napoleon's Russian campaign was over - he lost the Patriotic War in Russia in 1812. Then the emperor decided that his further stay with the army did not make sense and on December 5 he left his troops and headed to Paris.

On December 16, in Kovno, the French army crossed the Neman and left Russian territory. Its strength was only 1,600 people. The invincible army, which terrified all of Europe, was almost completely destroyed by Kutuzov's army in less than 6 months.

Below is a graphical representation of Napoleon's retreat on the map.

Results of the Patriotic War of 1812

The Patriotic War of Russia with Napoleon had great importance for all countries involved in the conflict. Largely thanks to these events, England's undivided dominance in Europe became possible. This development was foreseen by Kutuzov, who, after the flight of the French army in December, sent a report to Alexander 1, where he explained to the ruler that the war needed to be ended immediately, and the pursuit of the enemy and the liberation of Europe would be beneficial to strengthening the power of England. But Alexander did not listen to the advice of his commander and soon began a campaign abroad.

Reasons for Napoleon's defeat in the war

When determining the main reasons for the defeat of Napoleonic army, it is necessary to dwell on the most important ones, which are most often used by historians:

• A strategic mistake by the Emperor of France, who sat in Moscow for 30 days and waited for representatives of Alexander 1 with pleas for peace. As a result, it began to get colder and provisions ran out, and constant raids by partisan movements brought a turning point in the war.
• Unity of the Russian people. As usual, in the face of great danger, the Slavs unite. It was the same this time. For example, the historian Lieven writes that the main reason for the defeat of France lies in the massive nature of the war. Everyone fought for the Russians - women and children. And all this was ideologically justified, which made the morale of the army very strong. The Emperor of France did not break him.
• The reluctance of Russian generals to accept decisive battle. Most historians forget about this, but what would have happened to Bagration’s army if he had accepted a general battle at the beginning of the war, as Alexander 1 really wanted? 60 thousand of Bagration’s army against 400 thousand of the aggressor army. It would have been an unconditional victory, and they would hardly have had time to recover from it. Therefore, the Russian people should express words of gratitude to Barclay de Tolly, who, by his decision, gave the order for the retreat and unification of the armies.
• The genius of Kutuzov. The Russian general, who received excellent training from Suvorov, did not make a single tactical miscalculation. It is noteworthy that Kutuzov never managed to defeat his enemy, but managed to tactically and strategically win the Patriotic War.
• General Frost is used as an excuse. To be fair, it must be said that the frost did not have any significant impact on the final result, since at the time the abnormal frosts began (mid-November), the outcome of the confrontation was decided - the great army was destroyed.

Painting by V.V. Vereshchagin "Napoleon I on the Borodino Heights"

In the very center of Moscow, on Revolution Square, in the building former Museum IN AND. Lenina, has been working for 3 years now new museum, opened on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the Patriotic War of 1812. And the Lenin Museum has been completely liquidated. By the way, it was there that I was once, in another life, accepted as a pioneer.
And so, on the Saturday before last, after many, many years, I again find myself in this historical building. My husband and I went there for a most interesting excursion. And we were lucky with our guide - a young, enthusiastic man - Igor Sergeevich Machekhin, who himself participates in reconstructions of battles of the War of 1812.
The museum is large, 2 floors. Each room is divided into themes. The first floor is an introductory area: "Russia and France: between peace and war. 1801-1812 (Alexander. Napoleon. Expansion of the French Empire. Preparation for war...). The second floor is the Patriotic War of 1812 itself (from the Neman to Smolensk, Borodino, Moscow fire...) and Foreign campaigns of 1813-1814.
We walked around the halls for about 3 hours, but we weren’t tired at all. It was so interesting that we didn’t even notice when it was time to leave. Now I will show you what I liked and remember the most.
By the way, what is important is that 99% of the things and documents in the museum are originals! About 20 thousand items are now in storage and only 2 thousand are on display in the hall.

Meeting of Napoleon, Alexander I and Frederick William III in Tilsit June 26, 1807

Engraving by J. Avril based on the original by F. de Meys, 1805. “In the event of the accession to the Russian throne of Sovereign Emperor Alexander I. Allegory.” "Above on the clouds are depicted the image of Catherine II and the image of Peter I, who in blessing support a medallion with a portrait of Alexander I. Below is Cupid with a ribbon on which the inscription: “d'Alexandre a jamais vous viendra lebonheur | rendre son peuple heureux, estle voeu de son coeur" (Alexander will always bring you happiness; making your people happy is the desire of his heart). Below, Russia, in the image of Empress Elizaveta Alekseevna, presents a crown, a scepter and an orb on a pillow. ancient gods Zeus (Jupiter), whose symbol is an eagle with heavenly fire in its paws, Catherine - in the prototype of the goddess Hera (Juno), the mythological wife of Zeus, one of whose attributes was considered peacocks. At the bottom left and right there are figures of deities and allegorical symbols ancient world: Mercury, Flora, Hercules; the three graces, the defeated Gorgon Medusa; putti figurines with attributes of power, arts and military valor. Under the engraving is the Russian coat of arms and the signature: “Peint par Ferdinand de Meys.-Grave par Avril a Paris 1805. | In case of accession to the All-Russian Throne. | Sovereign Emperor Alexander I. | dedicated and offered | To Her Majesty the All-August Empress Elisaveta Alekseevna.| By my most devoted and most humble servant, Ferdinand de Meys - Alexandre Ier. empereur detoutes les russies | a son avenement antrone | Dedie et presente a | Sa Majeste l'Imperatrice Son Auguste Epouse. | ParSon tres humble et tres obeisant Serviteur Ferdinand de Meys. | A Paris Rue Cassette No. 24.” It is noteworthy that the engraving was made in 1805 in Paris, when Russia and France were already at war." (information from the museum's website). The outline of St. Petersburg is visible in the engraving in the center.

Folder for storing the pedigree of the Russian imperial family with the monogram of Alexander I.
On the right is a medallion with the hair of Alexander I.

New Testament in a gold setting - according to the legend of the museum - a gift to the future Emperor Alexander I from the grandmother Catherine II. It was she who started the tradition in Russia of giving similar gifts to the heirs to the throne - Sacred Books.

Napoleon's original awards were kept in Germany for 150 years. They were taken to the USSR in 1946 as restitution.
The most interesting for the average person is the Order of the Elephant - the highest award of the Kingdom of Denmark. The only voluminous order in the world. Worn on a chain on the left hip. This order is still awarded in Denmark.

In the center of one of the halls on the first floor you can see a black pillar. This is a model Vendôme Column, installed in Paris by decree of Napoleon in honor of the victory in the battle of Austerlitz. The height of the column is 44 meters. On the column there are 426 bronze bas-reliefs of various military subjects, cast from captured guns of the Austrian and Russian armies.
Behind the column are busts of Napoleon's relatives and friends.

First detailed map Russian Empire, created by military topographers in 1805 on more than 100 sheets (a printed copy of 8 sheets is on display). Below is a folder for storing it. The French somehow obtained a copy of this map, translated it into French and enlarged it to scale. In the center of the stand is a sheet of a map of European Russia, published in 1812 by the Main Military Depot of the French General Staff. The French generals had such maps during the War of 1812. The map does not show roads, only directions, which confused the French troops and slowed their movement.

When preparing the French army for the invasion of Russia, Napoleon decides to carry out a secret operation - to print fake Russian state notes (money) in order to pay for the purchase of food and fodder in Russia, as well as to pay salaries to his soldiers. The forgeries were printed for several years, presumably from 1810 to 1812. They were executed very skillfully, but still had a number of differences from the originals, for example: the signature was not handwritten, executed in ink, but printed in a typographical way; typos ("state", instead of "state", "holyacheyu" instead of "walking"); other paper.
The first banknote on the stand is the original. The second and third are fakes.

The predominant color in the uniform of Russian soldiers is green, while that of the French is blue. The shape seems too small. But in fact, people at that time were almost the same as now, only 10 cm shorter on average. The uniform is made of cloth and fits approximately 2 sizes at 50 years old. The presented samples decreased by 4-5 sizes during storage.
Many people are surprised why the soldiers’ trousers are white, because they are easy to get dirty. But white material is cheaper and easier to bleach than to paint. In addition, the military always carried chalk with them and painted over dirt with it.

Contents of a soldier's backpack. Reconstruction 2012. The brick was grated, mixed with oil and the guns were cleaned. But this was rare; only rust could be cleaned with bricks, and weapons were rarely brought to such a state. Interestingly, guns of that time could only fire 3 shots per minute. The firing range was not high, they fired when the whites of the eyes were visible - about 100 steps.

A French Imperial Guard sapper's cleaver with a Gaul cock was used as a saw/axe.
“Each regiment of the French infantry had several sappers. In battle, they played the role of stormtroopers, paving the way on rough terrain, knocking down doors, breaking barricades, etc. At parades, they walked “at the head of the column” along with the banner group and musicians. noticeable differences in the uniform: they wore thick beards, wide leather aprons and gloves with large leggings; in the army, they often wore fur hats on their heads instead of shakos. In addition to a special cleaver, they were armed with large axes. In the French army, this tradition has been preserved to this day." (information from the museum website).

Photo of a modern French parade from the Internet.

A camp kitchen from the Napoleonic army convoy, custom-made in Germany. This is the only copy in the world that has survived to this day. It is known for certain that it was recaptured from the French near Vyazma by the Cossacks of Adjutant General Count Orlov-Denisov. A wood stove heated water in a tank in which a cooking tank was hung - a water bath. Cooking could also be done on the go. The kitchen was pulled by one horse. There's even a coffee pot in the back. Most likely, only officers could use such a kitchen.
By the way, the army used gunpowder as salt for porridge, as it tasted salty.

The 2.5-liter Russian camping samovar and French camping cutlery personally belonged to Kutuzov. The devices are a gift from Suvorov.

Camping bed. It is stamped with the imperial crown and the inscription: DESOUCHES. It is believed that it belonged to Napoleon himself. It was captured by Russian troops while crossing the Berezina. The bed is foldable. On the back you can see a cover with pockets, where important reports were placed during the emperor’s sleep.

Appeal (poster) from the Commander-in-Chief in Moscow, Count F.V. Rostopchin to Moscow residents with news of the Battle of Borodino

Smolensk icon Mother of God from the collection Historical Museum repeats the ancient miraculous Smolensk image. In 1602 from ancient miraculous icon A list was made of Our Lady of Smolensk, which was placed in the tower of the Smolensk fortress wall, above the Dnieper gate. When Russian troops left Smolensk on August 5, 1812, they took the icon-list with them for protection from the enemy. On the eve of the Battle of Borodino, this icon was worn between wars to strengthen their spirit and encourage them before the general battle. Icons with images of Our Lady of Smolensk, Iveron and Vladimir on the day of the Battle of Borodino were also carried around the White City, Kitay-Gorod and the Kremlin walls. Until 1941, that Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God remained in Smolensk in the Assumption Cathedral, after which its fate is unknown.

As everyone knows, Moscow was burned in 1812. But why the fire happened is not known for certain. The guide told us several popular versions:
Moscow was set on fire by the Russians, who burned warehouses with provisions and weapons so that the French would not get it.
The French set it on fire to hide the traces of looting, for which they were punishable by execution.
The fire occurred due to inept handling of camp stoves.
The drunkenness of the French who entered Moscow and the corresponding riotous, careless behavior.
The very first source of fire was Zamoskvorechye, where mainly merchants lived. Fires quickly spread through wooden buildings due to the hurricane winds of September 1812.
Engraving from 1813, painted with watercolors, depicting the plan of Moscow after the fire. Black is the burned areas, red is what remains.

Portraits of heroes of the partisan war by artist A. Smirnov, 1813.
Gerasim Matveevich Kurin is the organizer of a peasant armed detachment in the area of ​​​​the city of Bogorodsk.
Vasilisa Kozhina, the wife of the headman of the Gorshkov farm, Sychevsky district, Smolensk province, several times participated in escorting captured French prisoners and once killed a daring French officer with a scythe.

Kutuzov's telescope and briefcase, as well as the shoulder Ribbon of the Order of St. George, which presumably also belonged to the commander-in-chief of the Russian army, Kutuzov. The Ribbon and Order of St. George is the country's highest military award, then and today. Kutuzov received it in February 1813 and wore it for only 3 months before his death (so it looks like new). By the way, despite the fact that Kutuzov was wounded twice in the head, he never had any bandage over his eye.

This is a lead bullet (in the very center), which hit Colonel Khlopov in the side during the Battle of Borodino and got stuck in the spine. The colonel lived with her for 28 years. When the wound became very bothersome, he went to Switzerland for an operation to remove the bullet. But the spine was unsuccessfully hit and Khlopov died. In memory of her husband, my wife made this design for a bullet in silver.

Buttons from French uniforms found on the Borodino field. The numbers are the regiment numbers.

The exhibition features a sleigh in which, according to museum legend, Napoleon left Moscow in November 1812.

Fortress keys are trophies of the Russian army from the cities: Dresden, Cologne, Danzig, Bred, Bremen, Leipzig, Brussels, Hamburg, Utrecht.

And in the last hall of the museum there is an exhibition of 19 original paintings by Vereshchagin from the “Napoleon I in Russia” series.

"Glow of Zamoskvorechye" 1887-1895.

These are the impressions I got thanks to the community

EXILEMENT OF NAPOLEON'S ARMY FROM RUSSIA

The war of the French Empire against Russia began on June 12, 1812. The 1st echelon of the invading army consisted of about 440 thousand people, the second - about 220 thousand people. The number of armed forces of the Russian Empire on the western border was 220 thousand people. Napoleon failed to break apart the First (commander - General M.B. Bark-lay-de-Tolly) and Second (commander - General P.I. Bagration) Russian armies; both armies united on July 22 near Smolensk. After a heroic two-day battle for Smolensk, the Russians began to retreat to Moscow. By decree of Emperor Alexander I on August 8, Field Marshal M.I. Kutuzov was appointed commander-in-chief of all Russian troops.
The battle of Borodino was “hurried by two months” - the morale of officers and privates was so intense that everyone was eager to fight the enemy. At 6 o'clock in the morning on August 26 (September 7), the Russian army consisted of 113 thousand regular troops, 8 thousand Cossacks and 28 thousand militia warriors with 624 guns, and Napoleon's army - 135 thousand people with 587 guns.
In the directions of the main attack, Napoleon had superiority, skillfully concentrating the fire of guns collected in large batteries to split the enemy’s formation. However, Kutuzov managed to keep the troops in a single line, and Napoleon’s frontal attacks were defeated by the fortitude of the Russian soldiers. The generals of the Suvorov school - M. I. Kutuzov, P. I. Bagration, M. A. Miloradovich, A. P. Ermolov were not inferior in courage and abilities to the French marshals. " Die, but not yield to the enemy!“- with this motto, Russian soldiers fought to the death, and left undefeated from the Borodino field, despite 45 thousand killed and wounded. Napoleon, having lost 54 thousand people, was unable to defeat the Russian army.

One of the greatest in military history battle of Borodino forever became the national pride of Russia. The enormous fire of Moscow on September 2-8, 1812 accelerated the turning point in the course of the war. A general patriotic upsurge and a People's War against the invaders began in the country. On October 7, Napoleon's army left Moscow in the direction of Kaluga, but, having received a rebuff near Maloyaroslavets, began to retreat to the west. Kutuzov led a parallel pursuit, striking the retreating French troops near Vyazma, Dorogobuzh, Yelnya and Krasny.
When crossing the Berezina River, the French lost all their convoys, cavalry, artillery and most of the stragglers. Non-stop energetic pursuit right up to the Russian border led to the complete disintegration of Napoleon’s army, which lost more than 600 thousand soldiers from different countries Europe. The losses of Russian troops during the entire campaign of 1812 amounted to 200-300 thousand people.
Patriotic War of 1812 ended on December 31st. Russia defended its independence and position as a great power in the world. The era of 1812 turned out to be the most glorious act of the Romanov dynasty. Almost half a century, right up to the Eastern (Crimean)

war of 1853-1856, Russia maintained military hegemony in Europe, and the Russian army lived with the belief in its invincibility.

Beginning his Russian campaign of 1812, on the morning of June 11 (23), he addressed an appeal to the “Great Army” that had already been mobilized and prepared for the invasion. It said:

“Warriors! The Second Polish War begins. The first ended under Friedland and Tilsit... Russia gives us the choice of dishonor or war, it is not in doubt. We will go forward, cross the Neman and bring war into its heart.

The Second Polish War will glorify French weapons as much as the first. But the peace we make will be lasting and will destroy fifty years of proud and misplaced Russian influence in European affairs.”

On the same day, at 9 pm, the crossing of the Neman River began.

Napoleon's crossing of the Neman. Colorized engraving. OK. 1816

A. Albrecht. The Italian corps of Eugene Beauharnais is crossing the Neman. June 30, 1812

Napoleon's "Grand Army" invaded Russia suddenly, without a prior declaration of war. Here lay a “small” military trick. On June 10 (22), the Ambassador of France in St. Petersburg A. Lauriston presented to the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Prince A.I. Saltykov's note. It followed from this that from that time on, Emperor Napoleon I Bonaparte “considers himself in a state of war with Russia.” In Vilna, where the Russian sovereign was located, the note was delivered only three days later.

Napoleon rejected the peace proposal, since by that time his vanguard units were already on Russian territory and moved forward. He asked the Russian general:

Tell me, to get to Moscow, which is the best road to take?

To the arrogant question of the Emperor of France, Lieutenant General A.D. Balashov answered dryly and briefly:

Charles XII walked through Poltava...

On June 12 (24), Emperor Alexander I signed the Manifesto on the beginning of the war with France. It called on all sectors of society to defend faith, Fatherland and freedom and resolutely stated:

“...I will not lay down my weapons until not a single enemy warrior remains in My Kingdom.”

The superiority of the “Great Army” in strength, as well as the unsuccessful strategic deployment on the border of the Russian armies, their lack of unified leadership, forced the army commanders to look for a way out of the current situation, which was seen in the speedy connection of the 1st and 2nd Western armies. But this could only be accomplished by retreating deeper into their territory along converging directions.

With rearguard battles, the Russian armies were forced to retreat...

With rearguard battles, the 1st and 2nd Western armies were forced to retreat under the pressure of superior enemy forces. The 1st Western Army left Vilna and retreated to the Dris camp, and soon a gap of 200 km opened between the armies. The main forces of Napoleonic troops rushed into it, which occupied Minsk on June 26 (July 8) and created the threat of defeating the Russian armies one by one.

However, such an offensive movement of the French did not go smoothly for them. On June 16 (28), the rearguard detachment of the major general gave a stubborn battle to the vanguard of the marshal's corps near Vilkomir. On the same day, the general's flying Cossack corps fought with the enemy near Grodno.

After capturing Vilna without a fight, Napoleon, changing plans, decided to attack the 2nd Western Army, encircle it and destroy it. For this purpose, the troops of E. Beauharnais (30 thousand people) and J. Bonaparte (55 thousand people) were allocated, and the 50 thousand-strong corps of Marshal L. Davout was ordered, moving east of Minsk, to go to the Russian rear and close the encirclement.

P.I. Bagration managed to avoid the threat of encirclement only through a forced retreat in a southeastern direction. Skillfully maneuvering among the Belarusian forests, the commander quickly withdrew his troops through Bobruisk to Mogilev.

On July 6 (18), Emperor Alexander I addressed the people of Russia with an appeal to gather within the state.

The “Great Army” was melting before our eyes as it moved deeper into Russia. To the French Emperor it was necessary to allocate significant forces against those Russian troops that were on his flanks. On the way to Moscow, the 30,000-strong corps of S. Rainier and the 3rd Western Army were abandoned. Against the 26 thousand-strong corps of the lieutenant general, operating in the St. Petersburg direction, the corps of N. Oudinot (38 thousand people) and (30 thousand people) were detached from the main forces. A 55,000-strong corps was sent to capture Riga.

After the French occupied Mogilev, the Russian armies continued to retreat in the direction of Smolensk. During the retreat, several fierce rearguard battles took place - near Mir, Ostrovno and Saltanovka.

A. Adam. Battle of Ostrovno July 27, 1812 1845

In the battle near the town of Mir on June 27 (July 9), the Cossack cavalry of cavalry general M.I. Platova inflicted a severe defeat on the enemy cavalry. On July 11 (23) near Saltanovka, the 26th Infantry Division of Major General I.F. fought valiantly. Paskevich, which withstood the blow of superior French forces.

N.S. Samokish. The feat of Raevsky's soldiers near Saltanovka. 1912

Smolensk and Polotsk battles, battles at Kobrin and Gorodechny

On July 22 (August 3), the Russian armies united near Smolensk, keeping their main forces combat-ready. The first big battle of the Patriotic War of 1812 took place here. The Battle of Smolensk lasted three days: from August 4 (16) to August 6 (18).

The Russian regiments repelled all the attacks of the French and retreated only on orders, leaving the enemy a burning city, in which out of 2,250 houses only about 350 survived. Almost all the inhabitants left it with the troops. Courageous resistance near Smolensk thwarted Napoleon's plan to impose a general battle on the main Russian forces in unfavorable conditions for them.

P.A. Krivonogov. Defense of Smolensk. 1966

Failures plagued the advancing “Great Army” not only near Smolensk and Valutina Gora. An attempt by the French with the corps of N. Oudinot and L. Saint-Cyr (reinforced by Bavarian troops) to advance in the St. Petersburg direction ended in defeat during the battles of Klyastitsy and Golovchitsy on July 18-20 (July 30 - August 1). The corps of General S. Rainier failed at Kobrin on July 15 (27) and at Gorodechna on July 31 (August 12), and Marshal J. MacDonald was unable to capture Riga.

Appointment of Commander-in-Chief M.I. Kutuzova

After the battles for Smolensk, the united Russian armies continued to retreat towards Moscow. M.B.’s retreat strategy, unpopular neither in the army nor in Russian society. Barclay de Tolly, leaving significant territory to the enemy forced Emperor Alexander I to establish the post of commander-in-chief of all Russian armies and on August 8 (20) appoint a 66-year-old infantry general to it.

His candidacy was unanimously supported by the Extraordinary Committee for the Selection of the Commander-in-Chief. Commander Kutuzov, who had extensive combat experience, was popular both among the Russian army and among the nobility. The emperor not only placed him at the head of the active army, but also subordinated to him the militias, reserves and civil authorities in the war-affected provinces.

Couriers were sent from the capital to the headquarters of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd Western and Danube armies with notification of the appointment of the commander-in-chief. August 17 (29) M.I. Kutuzov arrived at army headquarters. When Napoleon learned about the appearance of the commander-in-chief, so familiar to him, in the enemy’s camp, he uttered a phrase that became prophetic: “Kutuzov could not come in order to continue the retreat.”

The Russian commander was greeted by the troops with great enthusiasm. The soldiers said: “Kutuzov came to beat the French.” Everyone understood that now the war would take on a completely different character. The troops started talking about an imminent general battle with Napoleon’s “Grand Army” and that the retreat had come to an end.

S.V. Gerasimov. Arrival of M.I. Kutuzov in Tsarevo-Zaimishche. 1957

However, the commander-in-chief refused to give a general battle to the enemy at Tsarevo-Zaimishche, considering the chosen position unfavorable for the Russian troops. Having withdrawn the army for several marches towards Moscow, M.I. Kutuzov stopped in front of the city of Mozhaisk. The vast field near the village of Borodino made it possible to position troops with the greatest advantage and simultaneously block the Old and New Smolensk roads.

August 23 (September 4) Field Marshal M.I. Golenishchev-Kutuzov reported to Emperor Alexander I: “The position in which I stopped at the village of Borodino, 12 versts ahead of Mozhaisk, is one of the best, which can only be found in flat places. Weakness I will try to correct this position, which is on the left flank, with art. It is desirable that the enemy attack us in this position; then I have great hope to victory".

The offensive of Napoleon's “Great Army” during the Patriotic War of 1812

Battle for Shevardinsky redoubt

The Battle of Borodino had its own prologue - the battle for the Shevardinsky redoubt on August 24 (September 5) on the extreme left flank of the Russian position. Here the 27th Infantry Division of the Major General and the 5th Jaeger Regiment held the defense. In the second line stood the 4th Cavalry Corps of Major General K.K. Sievers. In total, these troops, under the overall command of a lieutenant general, numbered 8 thousand infantry, 4 thousand cavalry with 36 guns.

A fierce and bloody battle broke out near the unfinished pentagonal earthen redoubt. Three infantry divisions of the corps of Marshal L. Davout and the cavalry corps of generals E. Nansouty and L.-P. approached Shevardino. Montbrun tried to take the redoubt on the move. In total, about 30 thousand infantry, 10 thousand cavalry attacked this field fortification of Russian troops, and the fire of 186 guns fell. That is, at the beginning of the Battle of Shevardin, the French had more than three times superiority in forces and overwhelming superiority in artillery.

More and more troops were drawn into the matter. The firefight over and over again escalated into hand-to-hand combat. The redoubt changed hands three times that day. Taking advantage of their numerical superiority, the French, after a stubborn four-hour battle, still occupied the almost completely destroyed fortification by 8 pm, but were unable to keep it in their hands. Infantry General P.I. Bagration, who personally led the battle, having carried out a strong counterattack at night with the forces of the 2nd Grenadier and 2nd Cuirassier Divisions, again occupied the fortification. During that battle, the French 57th, 61st and 111th line regiments defending in the redoubt suffered significant casualties.

The field fortification was completely destroyed by artillery fire. Kutuzov realized that the redoubt could no longer pose a serious obstacle to Napoleonic troops, and ordered Bagration to retreat to the Semenov flushes. At 11 o'clock in the evening, the Russians left the Shevardinsky redoubt and took the guns with them. Three of them with broken carriages became enemy trophies.

French losses in the Battle of Shevardin amounted to about 5 thousand people, Russian losses were approximately the same. When the next day Napoleon inspected the 61st line regiment, the most damaged in the battle, he asked the regimental commander where one of his two battalions had gone. He replied: “Sire, he is in the redoubt.”



The general battle of the Patriotic War of 1812 took place on August 26 (September 7) on the Borodino field, famous for Russian weapons. When the “Great Army” approached Borodino, Kutuzov’s army prepared to meet it. Field fortifications were erected on the field at Kurgan Heights (Raevsky's battery) and near the village of Semenovskoye (unfinished Semenovsky, or Bagrationovsky, flashes).

Napoleon brought with him about 135 thousand people with 587 guns. Kutuzov had about 150 thousand people with 624 guns. But this number included 28 thousand poorly armed and untrained warriors of the Smolensk and Moscow militias and about 8 thousand irregular (Cossack) cavalry. The regular troops (113-114 thousand) also included 14.6 thousand recruits. Russian artillery had superiority in the number of large-caliber guns, but 186 of this number were not in combat positions, but in the main artillery reserve.

The battle began at 5 a.m. and lasted until 8 p.m. During the entire day, Napoleon failed to either break through the Russian position in the center or get around it from the flanks. The partial tactical successes of the French army - the Russians retreated about 1 km from their original position - did not become victorious for it. Late in the evening, the frustrated and bloodless French troops were withdrawn to their original positions. The Russian field fortifications they took were so destroyed that there was no longer any point in holding them. Napoleon never managed to defeat the Russian army.

The Battle of Borodino did not become decisive in the Patriotic War of 1812. Napoleon Bonaparte failed to achieve the main goal of his campaign in Russia - to defeat the Russian army in a general battle. He won tactically, but lost strategically. It is no coincidence that the great Russian writer Lev Nikolaevich Tolstoy considered the Battle of Borodino a moral victory for the Russians.

Since the losses in the battle were enormous and their reserves exhausted, the Russian army withdrew from the Borodino field, retreating to Moscow, while fighting a rearguard action. On September 1 (13), at the military council in Fili, a majority of votes supported the decision of the commander-in-chief “for the sake of preserving the army and Russia” to leave Moscow to the enemy without a fight. The next day, September 2 (14), Russian troops left the capital.

Change of strategic initiative

Under the cover of a rearguard commanded by an infantry general, the Main Russian Army carried out the Tarutino march-maneuver and settled in the Tarutino camp, reliably covering the south of the country.

Napoleon, who occupied Moscow after a catastrophic fire, languished for 36 days in the burnt-out huge city, waiting in vain for an answer to his proposal to Alexander I for peace, naturally, on terms favorable to him: after all, the French “struck Russia in the heart.”

However, during this time, the peasantry of the war-torn Great Russian provinces rose up in a large-scale people's war. Army partisan detachments were active. The active army was replenished by more than a dozen regiments of irregular cavalry, primarily 26 regiments of the Don Cossack militia.

Regiments of the Danube Army were redeployed to the south, to Volhynia, which, united with the 3rd Observation Army under the command of the admiral, carried out successful operations against the enemy. They pushed back the Austrian and Saxon corps of the “Grand Army”, occupied Minsk, where the French rear stores were located, and captured Borisov.

The troops of the French emperor were actually surrounded: Borisov, located in front of them, was occupied by the Russians, Wittgenstein's corps was hanging from the north, and the Main Army was moving from the east. In such a critical situation, Napoleon demonstrated extraordinary energy and high skill as a commander. He distracted the attention of Admiral P.V. Chichagova arranged a false crossing south of Borisov, and he himself was able to transfer the remnants of the troops across two hastily built bridges across the Berezina at Studenka.

Yu. Falat. Bridge over the Berezina. 1890

But crossing the Berezina was a disaster for the “Great Army”. She lost here, according to various estimates, from 25 to 40 thousand people killed, wounded and captured. Nevertheless, Napoleon managed to bring out and preserve for the future the flower of his generals, most of the officer corps and the imperial guard.

P. Hess. Crossing the Berezina. 1840s

The liberation of the territory of the Russian Empire from the enemy ended on December 14 (26), when Russian troops occupied the border cities of Bialystok and Brest-Litovsk.

In an order to the army, “the savior of the Fatherland,” Field Marshal Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov, Prince of Smolensky, congratulated the troops on the complete expulsion of the enemy from Russia and called on them to “complete the defeat of the enemy on his own fields.” This is how the Patriotic War of 1812 ended, or, as the great Russian poet A.S. called it. Pushkin, “The Thunderstorm of the Twelfth Year.”

“The enemy with poor remnants fled across our border”

The main result of the Patriotic War of 1812 was the virtual destruction of the “Great Army” of Emperor Napoleon I. His political prestige and the military power of his empire were irreparably damaged.

Unknown artist. Napoleon's departure from the army in 1812

It is believed that out of 608 thousand people who took part in Napoleonic’s Russian campaign, approximately 30 thousand people crossed back across the Neman. Only the corps of the Austrians, Prussians and Saxons operating on the flanks of the “Great Army” suffered minor losses. Over 550 thousand soldiers and officers from countries Western Europe found their death on the fields of Russia or were captured. The chief of staff of the Grand Army, Marshal A. Berthier, reported to the French emperor: “The army no longer exists.”

E. Kossak. Napoleon's retreat from Russia. 1827

M.I. Golenishchev-Kutuzov wrote to Alexander I at the end of the war: “The enemy with his poor remnants fled across our border.” His report to the emperor about the results of the 1812 campaign said: “Napoleon entered with 480 thousand, and withdrew about 20 thousand, leaving 150 thousand prisoners and 850 guns in place.”

Retreat of Napoleon's Grand Army from Russia

The official end of the Patriotic War of 1812 is considered to be the manifesto of Emperor Alexander I dated December 25 of the same year. In it, the victorious sovereign publicly announced that he had kept his word not to stop the war “until one of the enemies remains on Our land.”

The collapse of the Napoleonic invasion of Russia and the death of the “Great Army” in its vastness did not yet mean that Napoleonic France defeated. But the victory of Russian arms in 1812 dramatically changed the political climate in Europe. Soon, the Prussian Kingdom and the Austrian Empire, allies of France, became allies of Russia, whose army became the core of the forces of the 6th anti-French coalition.

Material prepared by the Research Institute (military history)
Military Academy of the General Staff
Armed Forces of the Russian Federation