Essay: Is the cause of the 1812 French Invasion of Russia knowable?
Category: Book 09, P&V pgs. 603-681
Napoleon begins his westward advance by crossing the Nieman river.
News of Napoleon’s army advancing towards Russia reaches the Russian Emperor, who was unprepared for war.
Emperor Alexander sends Balashëv to Napoleon to deliver his letter and a personal message.
General Balashëv is made to wait in a French camp for five days before being given an audience with Napoleon.
Napoleon blames the war on Russia, and recites his grievances.
Balashëv is invited to have dinner with Napoleon, who is a little friendlier than in the morning.
Prince Andrew rejoins the army, visits Bald Hills, and looks out for any opportunity to challenge Anatole to a duel.
Prince Andrew analyzes the internal politics of the Russian army at that time. The upper echelon of the army, it seems to Andrew, consists of nine internal factions all competing for control.
Prince Andrew is called in to see the Emperor, and while waiting sees an influential general and military theorist going in ahead of him.