Napoleon Napoleon was one of the greatest military leaders of all time. By 1812 Napoleon had expanded the territory of France all over Europe including Spain, Italy, Holland, and Switzerland. The countries that Napoleon did not directly control, he was usually allied with. The turning point of Napoleon's career also came in 1812 when war broke out between France and Russia because of Alexander I's refusal to enforce the continental. Even the French nation could not provide …showed first 75 words of 1054 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1054 total…returned to France to preserve his empire. With his desertion marking the end of the war. A lengthy bulletin had appeared in The Moniteur on the return of Napoleon. Until November 6, the weather was good, and the movement of the army was executed with success, but on the 7th the cold commenced. French officers and soldiers had fought bravely, and their General had led expertly. The Russian winter, not the Russian army, had defeated him.