Rusia contra Napoleón

In the summer of 1812, at the height of his dominance over Europe, Napoleon marched on Russia with the largest army in history, convinced that his empire's expansion was unstoppable. Yet, barely two years later, his armies had been defeated and Russia had emerged victorious. Drawing on a profound understanding of the unique social, political, and economic landscape of Tsar Alexander I’s reign, this study reveals for the first time the pivotal role Russia played in the Napoleonic Wars. Dominic Lieven presents a vivid tableau in which the Emperor, his General Staff officers, and the common soldiers all come to life. Through a fascinating, detailed account of the events—ranging from the strategic retreat of Russian troops to the Tsar’s army’s eventual march across Europe—the author dismantles the enduring myth that Napoleon’s defeat was caused by the harsh Russian winter, thereby highlighting Russia’s decisive place in European politics—a role well worth remembering even today.