Smolensk · 1812

The first major battle of the 1812 invasion: Napoleon sought to catch the 1st and 2nd Western Armies before they united and force a decisive engagement. At Smolensk the French forced the approaches to the city, but Barclay de Tolly and Bagration withdrew preserving combat power. Victory opened the road to Moscow at the cost of time and casualties — Russia's strategic gain in prolonging the campaign.