Napoleon's march into Russia in 1812 had always been considered a fox and hound chase between the frothing Grand Armee and the skidish Russian Army. If only the Russians would have turned and fought then Napoleon would have been able to crush his enemy once and for all. Well truth be told, Napoleon had a couple of opportunities (other than Borodino) to rid himself of the Russian army but each time he seemingly, voluntarily let them slip away. So goes the theory of author Philip Langer who's book "Command Failure In War" has a chapter entitled, "Napoleon In Russia, 1812." Here, the author proposes a theory that is counter to the traditional view of Napoleon's desire to catch and annihilate the Russian army. Basing his thesis on psychologist Kurt Lewin's field theory, the author essentially creates the argument that Napoleon wasn't actually interested in conquering the Russian army but rather acquiring a vast geographical space the crown jewel of which was Moscow. This in part may explain Napoleon's confusion and indecision at pivotal key moments throughout the campaign. Right from the start, Napoleon had no real, clear, long term goal but was rather completely near sighted in relation to his objectives. If he had remained focused on the destruction of the Russian army as opposed to location grabbing, history may have turned out quite differently. Granted, this is only one author's theory and he is completely silent in regards to anything related to the Russian army's stamina and ability to learn and improve much like the Russian army of World War 2. Nonetheless, it is an entertaining theory and one that goes against the grain when it comes to Napoleon in Russia.
What to play:
There are a couple of options such as Kutuzov, as well as a scenario in War and Peace and and you may as well throw in La Bataille de la Moscowa, but as far as the overall picture, and as a close historical simulation with enough depth to swim but not drown, your going to want Highway To The Kremlin.
What to watch:
A little tricky here but if you're dedicated, you can catch some great Napoleonic/Russia battle scenes in Bondarchuck's film, War and Peace.
Kutuzov, "I'd rather be playing Highway to the Kremlin!"
Rags mentioned in the cast...
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