Pat Sloane asks:
> 1) I once read that the real reason Napolean had to leave Russia is that the
> intense cold made the tin buttons on his troops' clothing disintegrate. Is
> this true?
I don't have my references handy, and my Napoleonic interests are with
Austria, but I think I can give you an answer from memory. The decision to
retreat from Russia was made before the winter set in. The main reason was
logistical. The main portion of Napoleon's army had advanced along a
narrow corridor, largely depleting it of food an fodder. The poor road
network, and a Russain scorched-earth policy further worsened the
situation. I believe (but cannot check now) that Napoleon decided in
October to retreat, and that the battle of Malojaroslawez was fought to
open a retreat route that had not been stripped of supplies. Malojaroslawez
was fought on October 24, before the extreme cold began. I also believe
that the advance of the flanking Russian armies may have contributed to
the decision. The Berezina was crossed just barely before the Russians
could trap the French. Again, I cannot check now to see how aware Napoleon
was in October of the situation on his flanks, and what role such knowledge
played in the retreat decision.
No tin buttons, however.
Phil Feller
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