Napoleonic Wars: The Invasion of Russia (All Parts)

I hope you enjoy this compilation of our videos covering Napoleon's invasion of Russia! It's an incredible story - one of the greatest military geniuses in history overseeing one of the greatest military disasters, and a tale full of courage, suffering and endurance on all sides. Many thanks to Terribilita and Cinder Block Publishing for sponsoring this video, check out the book here: www.amazon.com/dp/B085B8KWM4 I'm currently working on the next Napoleon video - a profile of all 26 Marshals of the Empire, updates in the usual places soon.

We are so fortunate to be viewing this for no cost

Napoleon: fights 2 fronts Germany: write that down right now

"Russia, 1812. Napoleon invades his former ally with the largest army Europe has ever seen. But for the French emperor, the decisive blow remains frustratingly beyond reach. Russia's resilience is unlike anything he's ever encountered. And as winter closes in, his army begins the most infamous retreat in history." I get chills hearing this opening narrative. The soundtrack, maps, and panning shots of battlefield paintings fill me with grandiose wonder.

I'm so glad you mentioned that not only French soldiers suffered during the winter part of the campaign. In so many documentaries about Napoleonic wars and even WWII you're made to believe that the Russians are some sort of penguins who don't suffer from cold or could walk on the surface of mud and snow... In fact many of Russian soldiers came from southern parts of Russia, which are even warmer than for example Germany or some French regions. And muddy roads, long marches and snow affect the Russians as much as Frenchmen, Germans or anyone else. Very well made documentary guys, it was so exciting to watch! Greetings from Czech Republic!

1. Have I already seen these episodes separately many times? Yes. 2. Will I watch them all again? Yes. 3. Will I come back to this every now and them and bow at this quality content that's available for free? Yes.

Germans: Invading Russia doesn’t work does it. French: At least we took Moscow! Ottomans: You guys saw Moscow?

It makes me happy knowing that children with a passion for history don’t have to wait for uninterested teachers or poorly written school textbooks to learn about this knowledge and can learn FOR FREE because of this channel. I hope you know the service you are doing for society and I thank you for using your time and effort. Legend.

I`m 63 and been a history buff since i was 15. I learned very little from this video and probably researched this topic before most of your listeners were even in nappies. BUT.....not only is this the best concise version i`ve ever seen but it also brings the events to life in a way that is simply superb. Fantastic video.

Napoleon: I want to make peace and end the war. Alexander: Seen

This was more exciting than a Hollywood movie !

Everything about this series is just FANTASTIC. The music, the narration, the maps, everything is more than perfect. You guys rock!

Barclay was brilliant. What a stellar stratagem. Those scorched Earth retreats mopped the floor with Napoleon's army.

Napoleon - "they'll do what we want if we take their biggest city" Alexander - "how about we burn it down ourselves then ignore you"

The Russian capacity for hardship and suffering is immense. Their resilience and fortitude beyond compare.

Marshall Ney is honestly one of, if not, France's bravest Marshall in their history. He tried everything to protect his men. Many reports & accounts saying that men he commanded supported him so much that he followed every command he gave until to their death.

I have lost count with how many times I've watched this documentary. It is a masterpiece - brilliant research, wonderful narration and I love how majority of it is clearly shown on a map. Plus the artworks displayed of battles, marches etc are wonderful. Thank you so much. Tertius Fourie. (Bloemfontein, South Africa).

It is always funny when the French and the Germans (including all those who helped them) talk about the Russian winter........ As if the cold doesn't affect the Russians.... 😊

When Napoleon was sent into exile on St. Helena after the battle of Waterloo, many journalists who interviewed him always asked (paraphrasing) "why didn't you commit suicide after Waterloo?". Eventually he told one journalist who interviewed him "That's not the question I ask myself. I ask, why didn't I commit suicide after Borodino?"

4:35 Military prowess of both sides Russia's diplomatic victories 7:33 Beginning of invasion 12:10 Cossacks 14:03 Battle of Smolensk 17:46 Battle of Borodino 35:25 Losses in the battle 36:35 Moscow burns 40:18 Russia strikes back 46:01 Russian winter takes its toll 51:06 Napoleon retreats to Paris & massive French losses