Napoleon Bonaparte launched his ambitious and ultimately disastrous invasion of Russia by crossing the Neman River with his Grande Armée, a force of over 600,000 troops from various European nations on 24 June 1812.
This marked the beginning of a campaign driven by Napoleon's desire to compel Tsar Alexander I to cease trading with Britain as part of the Continental System.
Despite initial advances, the vast distances, harsh climate, and scorched earth tactics employed by the Russians soon took their toll.
The campaign would culminate in the catastrophic retreat from Moscow, leading to massive casualties and signalling a significant turning point in the Napoleonic Wars.
