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Just finished watching the 1972 BBC series of Tolstoy's "War and Peace." The film version was faithful to the book.
Fascinating times. The story is about events in the lives of three wealthy families. During that time, wealthy landowners and nobility controlled most of the land. Serfs, or working peasants, belonged to the land. If you sold the land, you sold the peasants with it.
In 1812, Napoleon invaded Moscow. Instead of fighting, the Russians retreated and burned the city of Moscow, which was mostly constructed of wood. They also burned the crops, so that the French armies were left in Moscow with no supplies to get them through a tough winter.
The French retreated, more than half of the troops dying of starvation and illness and freezing in the brutal cold.
What an amazing time in history. Is anyone else interested in this period?
In 1812, Napoleon invaded Moscow.
What an amazing time in history. Is anyone else interested in this period?
Napoleon invading Russia would wind up being so eerily simular as to when Hitler invaded the Soviet Union (Russia). In fact Napoleon invades on June 24 and Hitler invades June 22. With the same winter elements and scorched earth policy doing most of the destruction in both time era's.
Napoleon had conqured all of Europe up to the invasion as did Hitler. When Napoleon invaded it was the largest army invasion ever in history of over 650,000 troops. When Hitler invaded with 2.5 million troops that was the largest invading army ever.
Napoleon had not conqured Britain and lost most battles at sea and in Egypt to her. Hitler when invaded had not conqured Britain and had lost most air battles over english channel to her.
Napoleon when invaded was also bogged down in Iberia (Spain and Portugal) with needed troops there and did not conquer it. Hitler when invaded was bogged down in North Africa with troops there and did not Conquer it.
Interesting in that the Germans intensely studied how Napoleon invaded and his mistakes and made all preparations for that not to happen to them. Also the Soviets/Russians studied how the Russians survived against Napoleon and used those hit and run winter battle tactics to their advantage.
Interesting to study......
Last edited by Six Foot Three; 02-29-2008 at 01:12 PM..
I noticed that tonight on the Military Channel at 8.00 P.M. EST is a show called ''Napoleons Lost Army'' which is about his Russian campaign for those who have this channel and are interested. I'm keeping my fingers crossed as Comcast is still showing this channel for free again today so hopefully i'll get to watch this tonight.
6/3
Last edited by Six Foot Three; 03-12-2008 at 10:15 AM..
Reason: Spell check
Thanks for sharing this interesting article. It's a keeper and I've made a copy for my files. I haven't studied this period, but it gives me a new incentive to read War and Peace. The uncanny occurrences in nature etc that seemingly turn history on its head give credence to the idea that perhaps an unseen hand guides the affairs of men more than we know.
John
The uncanny occurrences in nature etc that seemingly turn history on its head give credence to the idea that perhaps an unseen hand guides the affairs of men more than we know.
John
"I saw Satan laughing with delight," in the song American Pie, sums that suspicion up for me
I have really yet to get into that interesting chapter in history, except for the basics. An equivalent person to me and others in the U.S. that are really into the American Civil War are Europeans who are into the Napolionic Wars. Battles and strategy is studied, generals are examined, "what if" scenarios are discussed for hours.
Quote:
""I saw Satan laughing with delight," in the song American Pie, sums that suspicion up for me"
Delusiane I think of another song when I think of that topic:
"I rode a tank
Held a general's rank
When the blitzkrieg raged
And the bodies stank
The uncanny occurrences in nature etc that seemingly turn history on its head give credence to the idea that perhaps an unseen hand guides the affairs of men more than we know.
John
<somewhat off topic (or is it! )>
On the subject of us being manipulated by you-know-who...
Have you read Twain's Mysterious Stranger? It was my first run-in with speculation on this subject. He started several versions; the most developed one he set in medieval Austria - and I love to imagine his feelings & observations on his trips to Europe that inspired his choice of setting.
He also started a version with Tom and Huck in Hannibal!
Last edited by delusianne; 03-13-2008 at 03:48 PM..
Reason: tweaking
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Russia 1812: Napoleon Invasion and "War & Peace"
