Napoleon's invasion of Russia had proved to be one of
the greatest military disasters in history.
He had made fatal miscalculations about geography, logistics, and above
all, Russia's political and strategic response to his invasion.
These blunders cost his empire around half a million men,
as well as a quarter of a million horses and
1000 cannon.
Put another way, over every 12 men who marched into
Russia with the Grand Army, one was killed in action
or died of wounds.
Two were taken prisoner, one of whom died in captivity.
7 died from disease or the effects of climate.
Just two returned alive.