Russian Winter

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Introduction

The Soviet Winter was instrumental in three campaigns, all of which resulted in the defeat of the opponent of Russia. Relying on a scorched earth policy, the Russian army would face the opposing army as it marched into Russia, then retreat deep into Russia, burning all villages, cities, and any place where supplies could be found, making it impossible for the invaders to find any provisions. Then, when the Soviet Winter came, the opposing armies would freeze and starve to death, returning to their countries humiliated and much defeated.

Great Northern War

In the Great Northern War, Charles XII of Sweden invaded the Russia of Peter the Great. The Russians retreated, burning everything in their wake, leaving no supplies. This particular winter happened to be the most brutal winter of the 18th century, so severe that the salt water port of Venice froze. Charles' 35,000 troops were decimated, and only 19,000 were left after that winter. The Battle of Poltava in 1709 sealed the end of the Swedish Empire.

Napoleon's Invasion of Russia (1812)

Napoleon's Grande Armée of 610,000 men invaded Russia, heading towards Moscow, in 1812. The Russian army retreated before the French and again burnt their crops and villages, thereby denying the enemy their use. Napoleon's army was ultimately reduced to 100,000. His army suffered further, even more disastrous losses on the retreat from Moscow.

The Great Patriotic War (1941)

Under Hitler, Germany attacked and Soviet forces withdrew into the steppe of Russia to acquire time and stretch the German army. Industries were dismantled and withdrawn to the Ural mountains for reassembling. The Soviet forces held off the Germans outside Moscow and defeated them at Stalingrad in the bitterly cold January of 1943.

The Lesson

Many historians wonder why these three brilliant leaders did not learn from the lessons of the past.