Why Napoleon Burned Moscow in 1812

Napoleon's campaign of 1812 is a classic example of a failed military campaign.

In this battle the aim of Napoleon was to bring Russia to its knees so that he could remain the dominent power in Europe. Unfortunately Napoleon’s strategy was wrong and he decided to concentrate on marching on Moscow which was not desirable. He expected the Russians to make peace and come for a meeting with him as he neared Moscow, as had been the case in battles at other places in Europe. However the Russians did not give in to him with the result in anger and short of supplies and food for his troops he decided to burn Moscow. In real fact it was a blunder of great magnitude because he burned all his bridges to Russia and had no option but to retreat and there were no supplies and food for his army. With the result the grand army which was almost 600,000 was decimated.