The Struggle Over Moscow

War and Peace

Moscow becomes the central conflict between imperial possession and national refusal, with abandonment and fire defeating the logic of conquest.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

French Approach French Approach from "War and Peace". The Road to Moscow Napoleon Bonaparte advances toward Moscow after Borodino, treating the city as the decisive object of the war.

French Approach from "War and Peace". The Road to Moscow Napoleon Bonaparte advances toward Moscow after Borodino, treating the city as the decisive object of the war.

The Road to Moscow Napoleon Bonaparte advances toward Moscow after Borodino, treating the city as the decisive object of the war. Imperial Logic He expects possession of the capital to compel negotiation. Russian Withdrawal The Russian army retreats because it must preserve its remaining force.

Moscow Empty Moscow Empty from "War and Peace". No Deputation Napoleon waits for Russian boyars who never arrive because Moscow's inhabitants have departed.

Moscow Empty from "War and Peace". No Deputation Napoleon waits for Russian boyars who never arrive because Moscow's inhabitants have departed.

No Deputation Napoleon waits for Russian boyars who never arrive because Moscow's inhabitants have departed. Failed Ceremony The expected transfer of civic authority cannot occur without citizens willing to submit. Imperial Disillusionment The empty capital denies him the symbolic victory he imagined.

Civic Collapse Civic Collapse from "War and Peace". Orders Without Authority Napoleon establishes a municipality, police, markets, churches, and proclamations, but none can restore Moscow's former life.

Civic Collapse from "War and Peace". Orders Without Authority Napoleon establishes a municipality, police, markets, churches, and proclamations, but none can restore Moscow's former life.

Orders Without Authority Napoleon establishes a municipality, police, markets, churches, and proclamations, but none can restore Moscow's former life. Institutional Vacuum Administrative forms survive only on paper. Occupation Failure A conqueror can command buildings but cannot command a city's absent social body.

Burning Resistance Burning Resistance from "War and Peace". Possession Becomes Ruin The abandoned city burns through the interaction of wooden buildings, campfires, looting, and military occupation.

Burning Resistance from "War and Peace". Possession Becomes Ruin The abandoned city burns through the interaction of wooden buildings, campfires, looting, and military occupation.

Possession Becomes Ruin The abandoned city burns through the interaction of wooden buildings, campfires, looting, and military occupation. No Simple Culprit The destruction cannot be reduced to one official or one act of arson. Strategic Consequence Moscow gives the French shelter without giving them the resources of a functioning capital.

Imperial Departure Imperial Departure from "War and Peace". The Conqueror Leaves Empty-Handed Napoleon and his army depart Moscow carrying loot but lacking food, order, and a viable route home.

Imperial Departure from "War and Peace". The Conqueror Leaves Empty-Handed Napoleon and his army depart Moscow carrying loot but lacking food, order, and a viable route home.

The Conqueror Leaves Empty-Handed Napoleon and his army depart Moscow carrying loot but lacking food, order, and a viable route home. False Possession The city has been occupied yet not conquered. Reversal Moscow becomes the point from which French power begins its irreversible collapse.

August 1812 after Borodino

September 2 1812 before French entry

September 1812 during French occupation of Moscow

September 1812 during the Fire of Moscow

October 1812 during French retreat from Moscow