September 21, 1812

On this day in 1812, the Battle of Borodino was fought between the French and Russian armies during the Napoleonic Wars. This battle was one of the bloodiest of the Napoleonic Wars, with over 70,000 casualties on both sides. The battle was fought near the village of Borodino, located about 70 miles west of Moscow. The French, led by Napoleon Bonaparte, were attempting to capture Moscow and force the Russians to surrender. The Russians, led by General Mikhail Kutuzov, were determined to defend their homeland.

The battle began early in the morning and lasted until late in the afternoon. The French were able to gain an early advantage, but the Russians were able to regroup and launch a counterattack. The fighting was fierce and both sides suffered heavy casualties. In the end, the French were able to gain a tactical victory, but the Russians were able to retreat in good order.

The Battle of Borodino was a pivotal moment in the Napoleonic Wars. It was the last major battle before the French were forced to retreat from Moscow. The battle also marked the beginning of the end for Napoleon’s empire, as the French were never able to recover from their losses at Borodino.

Mysteries and Theories:

One of the mysteries surrounding the Battle of Borodino is why Napoleon chose to attack the Russians at this particular location. The village of Borodino was located in a heavily wooded area, making it difficult for the French to maneuver their troops. It is also believed that the Russians had fortified the area, making it even more difficult for the French to gain an advantage.

Another mystery is why the Russians chose to retreat after the battle. The Russians had suffered heavy casualties, but they still had a large army and could have continued to fight. It is believed that the Russians were concerned about the French advancing on Moscow and chose to retreat in order to protect the city.

Fun Facts for Kids:

• The Battle of Borodino was one of the bloodiest battles of the Napoleonic Wars.

• The French and Russian armies had a combined total of over 150,000 soldiers.

• The battle lasted for over 12 hours.

• Napoleon Bonaparte was the leader of the French army.

• General Mikhail Kutuzov was the leader of the Russian army.

Educational Activities for Kids:

• Have your child draw a map of the area around Borodino. Have them label the village, the French and Russian armies, and any other important landmarks.

• Have your child research the Napoleonic Wars and create a timeline of the major battles.

• Have your child create a diorama of the Battle of Borodino. They can use toy soldiers, cardboard, and other materials to recreate the battle.

Conclusion:

The Battle of Borodino was a pivotal moment in the Napoleonic Wars. It was a bloody and hard-fought battle that resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. The battle marked the beginning of the end for Napoleon’s empire, as the French were never able to recover from their losses at Borodino. The battle also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by both sides in the pursuit of victory.

Wikipedia Reference:

Battle of Borodino: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Borodino
Napoleonic Wars: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleonic_Wars
Mikhail Kutuzov: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikhail_Kutuzov
Napoleon Bonaparte: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon