Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov

Knyaz Mikhail Illarionovich Golenishchev-Kutuzov ({{lang-ru|????? ??????? ????????????? ??????????-????????}}) (September 16, 1745 ? April 28, 1813 (n.s.), or 5th September 1745 - 16th April 1813 (o.s.)) was the Russian Field Marshal popularly credited with saving his country from Napoleon's invasion.

The Patriotic War (1812)

When Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812, Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly (then Minister of War) wisely chose to follow the scorched earth principle and retreat rather than to risk a major battle. His strategy aroused grudges from most of the generals and soldiers, notably knyaz Petr Bagration. Therefore, when Kutuzov was appointed commander-in-chief and arrived to the army on August 17, he was greeted with delight.

Related Topics:
Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812 - Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly - Scorched earth - Knyaz - Petr Bagration - August 17

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Within two weeks Kutuzov decided to give major battle on approaches to Moscow. Two huge armies clashed near Borodino on 26 August 1812 in what has been described as the greatest battle in human history up to that date, involving nearly quarter a million soldiers. Result of the battle was undecisive, and after the famous conference at the village of Fili he fell back on the strategy of his predecessor: withdraw in order to save the Russian army as long as possible.

Related Topics:
Moscow - Borodino - 26 August - 1812 - Fili

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This came at the price of losing Moscow, whose population was evacuated. Having retreated to the Kaluga road and replenished his ammunitions, he forced Napoleon into retreat in the Battle of Maloyaroslavets. The old general's cautious pursuit evoked much criticism, but at any rate he allowed only a remnant of the Grand Army to regain Prussian soil.

Related Topics:
Kaluga - Battle of Maloyaroslavets - Grand Army - Prussia

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Kutuzov now held the rank of Field Marshal and had been awarded the title of His Serene Highness Knyaz Smolensky (?????????? ????? ??????????) - having achieved this title for a victory over part of the French army at Smolensk in November 1812.

Related Topics:
Knyaz - For a victory over part of the French army - Smolensk

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