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Crossing the Beresina
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Crossing the Beresina
The French retreat : the passage of the Beresina river, following which some 36 000 bodies were found in the river by the Russians
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Media ID 4381391
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10078013
1812 Bodies Campaign Crossing Found Napoleonic Passage Retreat Russians Wars Beresina
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Crossing the Beresina: A Pivotal Moment in Napoleanic War History This haunting image captures the poignant scene of the French army's desperate crossing of the Beresina River during their disastrous retreat from Moscow in November 1812. The Napoleanic Wars (1803-1815) were a series of major conflicts pitting the French Empire against European powers, with the Russian campaign of 1812 being one of the most significant. The French army, led by Napolean Bonaparte, had invaded Russia with over 600,000 soldiers in June 1812, intending to conquer Moscow and extend his empire. However, the harsh Russian winter, scorched earth tactics, and relentless pursuit by the Russian forces under Tsar Alexander I forced the French to retreat. As the French army retreated westward, they were pursued relentlessly by the Russians. The Beresina River presented a formidable obstacle, and the freezing temperatures made crossing it a perilous endeavor. The image shows the chaotic scene as the French soldiers, civilians, and horses attempt to cross the river, with many falling into the icy waters and drowning. The aftermath of the crossing was devastating. Thousands of bodies were found in the river, with estimates suggesting that around 36,000 people perished during the crossing or shortly thereafter. The defeat at the Battle of the Beresina marked the beginning of the end for Napolean's empire, and the French army was never the same again. This powerful image is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the devastating impact of the harsh Russian winter on the French army during the Napoleanic Wars. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit, as well as a reminder of the tragic consequences of military conflict.
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