The Great Fire of Moscow: Napoleon’s Fiery Defeat

September 1812—Napoleon enters Moscow, expecting surrender.

But the city is eerily empty.

The Russians had evacuated, taking supplies with them.

That night, fires erupt across the city.

Was it arson?

Many believe Russian forces set the fires to deny Napoleon shelter.

As flames spread, the French army realizes: Moscow is a trap, not a prize.

The fire rages for days, consuming wooden buildings and spreading uncontrollably.

French troops struggle to contain it, but the wind fuels the destruction.

The Kremlin is spared, but most of Moscow is reduced to ashes.

With no food, shelter, or supplies, Napoleon’s army faces a grim reality—staying in Moscow means starvation and death.

Napoleon waits for a Russian surrender that never comes.

Instead, winter approaches, and his army is stranded in a ruined city.

The fire had destroyed their hopes of resupply.

With no choice, Napoleon orders a retreat.

But the Russian winter and relentless attacks turn the retreat into a nightmare, sealing his campaign’s fate.

The Great Fire of Moscow wasn’t just destruction—it was a turning point.

Napoleon’s army, once unstoppable, was now broken.

The Russian strategy of scorched earth worked, forcing the French into a disastrous retreat.

By the time they reached home, only a fraction remained.

Moscow burned, but Russia survived.

Napoleon’s dream of conquest?

Reduced to ashes.