Question by trebuchet: Why did Napoleon invade Russia?
Was there any reason OTHER than that he just wanted to conquer a huge chunk of land?
How did Tzar Alexander play into all this? Or the Polish?
Really, what specifically lead up to Napoleon’s decision to conquer Russia?
Answers and Views:
Answer by Dave
Because he ran out potato chips.
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John H says
Alexander reneged on his treaty with Napoleon. Russia had initially agreed to suspend trade with England as per their agreement. The English forbade any nation to trade with France and hijacked any ship on the ocean bound for France. Napoleon forbade any nation in Europe from trading with England.
After Napoleon whipped the Russians in Poland, Alexander agreed to these terms. He eventually broke his word and Napoleon had to try and teach him a lesson.
( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_I_of_France )
By 1812, advisers to Alexander suggested the possibility of an invasion of the French Empire and the recapture of Poland. On receipt of intelligence reports on Russia's war preparations, Napoleon expanded his Grande Armée to more than 450,000 men. He ignored repeated advice against an invasion of the vast Russian heartland and prepared for an offensive campaign; on 23 June 1812, his invasion of Russia commenced.
It almost worked.
Willow Moon says
Napoleon invaded Russia so he could rule over it, you may want to check the history channel web site.