| October 24 |  |
Editor says, what if Napoleon had made more effective use of reconnaissance scouts? Please note that the opinions expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views of the author(s). This story was published in the July 2011 edition of Changing the Times Magazine.
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In 1812, correctly anticipating light resistance from smaller opposing forces than expected, Napoleon Bonaparte ordered the Grand Armée to continue south-west instead of heading west over land devastated by the original French advance and subsequent Russian scortched earth policies.
Miracle at MaloyaroslavetsAfter the evacuation of Moscow on October 19th the first French elements had encountered Russian Forces under the command of Marshal Kutuzov just sixty-eight miles to the south-west at Maloyaroslavets.
Napoleon won that engagement but nevertheless the result could have been catastrophic. Concerned that Kutuzov would regroup and attack again, despite his reservations he seriously considered heading north. Instead, he reconnoiterered over the ridge in front of him and to his great surprise discovered that the Russians had melted away.
Entry posted by Todayinah Editor
© Alternate Historian, 2004-.Story Tags
Permalinks: Post, Day. Browse Thread: Generals Source: Wikipedia Labels: Napoleon Bonaparte, France, Russia, Conquest, Maloyaroslavets. Editor says, Wikipedia reports ~ After encountering such strong resistance on the South-Westerly road, Napoleon crucially decided to retreat directly West, over the land that had not only been devastated by the original French advance, but also the Russian scortched earth policies. Had Napoleon continued along the road South-West, it is possible that the entire campaign and subsequent campaigns would have been different.
~ I think that no matter what, Napoleon had bitten off more than he could chew in Russia.
~ And the effect was...
~ No matter what the winter was going to do in most of his army. Obviously Napoleon had not studied logistics in the detail needed.
~ Perhaps he could scrounge up enough troops to solidify his empire, but the disaster would scare him into retirement on the expansion idea.
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