The Romanovs and the 1812 Patriotic War: Borodino and the Burning of Moscow

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the Romanov dynasty's defining military confrontation: the Patriotic War of 1812. They focus on the brutal Battle of Borodino, where Russian General Mikhail Kutuzov faced Napoleon's Grande Armée, and the controversial decision to abandon and burn Moscow. The conversation delves into Tsar Alexander I's resolve, the role of guerrilla warfare led by Denis Davydov, and the aftermath that shattered Napoleon's myth of invincibility. Lucas highlights the strategic brilliance of Kutuzov, the sacrifices of the Russian army, and the cultural impact of the war on Russian identity, including Tolstoy's later depiction in 'War and Peace.' Luna asks probing questions about the scorched-earth tactics and the Great Fire of Moscow, which remains a historical mystery. The episode also touches on the construction of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour as a monument to the victory. Specific names like Pyotr Bagration, Mikhail Barclay de Tolly, and Napoleon Bonaparte are woven into the narrative, along with key locations like the Shevardino Redoubt and the Raevsky Redoubt. #PatrioticWar1812 #BattleOfBorodino #Napoleon #AlexanderI #MikhailKutuzov #DenisDavydov #GreatFireOfMoscow #ScorchedEarth #RussianHistory #RomanovDynasty #CathedralOfChristTheSaviour #WarAndPeace #Tolstoy #Moscow #FexingoHistory #19thCentury #MilitaryHistory #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo