Battle of Borodino During the Napoleonic Wars

The Battle of Borodino was fought on September 7, 1812, during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815). Battle of Borodino Background Assembling La Grande Armà ©e in eastern  Poland,  Napoleon prepared to renew hostilities with Russia in mid-1812. Though great efforts had been made by the French to procure the needed supplies for the effort, barely enough had been collected to sustain a short campaign. Crossing the Niemen River with a massive force of nearly 700,000 men, the French advanced in several columns and hoped to forage for additional supplies. Personally leading the central force, numbering around 286,000 men, Napoleon sought to engage and defeat Count Michael Barclay de Tollys main Russian army. Armies Commanders Russians General Mikhail Kutuzov120,000 men French Napoleon I130,000 men Precursors to the Battle It was hoped that by winning a decisive victory and annihilating Barclays force that the campaign could be brought to a speedy conclusion. Driving into Russian territory, the French moved swiftly. The speed of the French advance along with political infighting among the Russian high command prevented Barclay from establishing a defensive line. As a result, Russian forces remained uncommitted which prevented Napoleon from engaging in the large-scale battle he sought. As the Russians retreated, the French increasingly found forage harder to obtain and their supply lines growing longer. These soon came under attack by Cossack light cavalry and the French quickly began consuming the supplies that were on hand. With Russian forces in retreat, Tsar Alexander I lost confidence in Barclay and replaced him with Prince Mikhail Kutuzov on August 29. Assuming command, Kutuzov was forced to continue the retreat. Trading land for time soon began to favor the Russians as Napoleons command dwindled down to 161,000 men through starvation, straggling, and disease. Reaching Borodino, Kutuzov was able to turn and form a strong defensive position near the Kolocha and Moskwa Rivers. The Russian Position While Kutuzovs right was protected by the river, his line extended south through ground broken by woods and ravines and ended at the village of Utitza. To strengthen his line, Kutuzov ordered the construction of a series of field fortifications, the largest of which was the 19-gun Raevsky (Great) Redoubt in the center of his line. To the south, an obvious avenue of attack between two wooded areas was blocked by a series of open-backed fortifications known as flà ¨ches. In front of his line, Kutuzov constructed the Shevardino Redoubt to block the French line of advance, as well as detailed light troops to hold Borodino. The Fighting Begins Though his left was weaker, Kutuzov placed his best troops, Barclays First Army, on his right as he was expecting reinforcements in this area and hoped to swing across the river to strike the French flank. In addition, he consolidated nearly half his artillery into a reserve which he hoped to use at a decisive point. On September 5, the cavalry forces of the two armies clashed with the Russians ultimately falling back. The next day, the French launched a massive assault on the Shevardino Redoubt, taking it but sustaining 4,000 casualties in the process. The Battle of Borodino Assessing the situation, Napoleon was advised by his marshals to swing south around the Russian left at Utitza. Ignoring this advice, he instead planned a series of frontal assaults for September 7. Forming a Grand Battery of 102 guns opposite the flà ¨ches, Napoleon commenced a bombardment of Prince Pyotr Bagrations men around 6:00 AM. Sending the infantry forward, they succeeded in driving the enemy from the position by 7:30, but were swiftly pushed back by a Russian counterattack. Additional French assaults re-took the position, but the infantry came under heavy fire from Russian guns. As the fighting continued, Kutuzov moved reinforcements to the scene and planned another counterattack. This was subsequently broken up by French artillery which had been moved forward. While fighting raged around the flà ¨ches, French troops moved against the Raevsky Redoubt. While assaults came directly against the redoubts front, additional French troops drove Russian jaegers (light infantry) out of Borodino and attempted to cross the Kolocha to the north. These troops were driven back by the Russians, but a second attempt to cross the river succeeded. With support from these troops, the French to the south were able to storm the Raevsky Redoubt. Though the French took the position, they were pushed out by a determined Russian counterattack as Kutuzov fed troops into the battle. Around 2:00 PM, a massive French assault succeeded in securing the redoubt. Despite this achievement, the assault had disorganized the attackers and Napoleon was forced to pause. During the fighting, Kutuzovs massive artillery reserve played a little role as its commander had been killed. To the far south, both sides battled over Utitza, with the French finally taking the village. As the fighting lulled, Napoleon moved forward to assess the situation. Though his men had triumphed, they had been badly bled. Kutuzovs army worked to reform on a series of ridges to the east and was largely intact. Possessing only the French Imperial Guard as a reserve, Napoleon elected not to make a final push against the Russians. As a result, Kutuzovs men were able to withdraw from the field on September 8. Aftermath The fighting at Borodino cost Napoleon around 30,000-35,000 casualties, while the Russians suffered around 39,000-45,000. With the Russians retreating in two columns towards Semolino, Napoleon was free to advance and capture  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹Ã¢â‚¬â€¹Moscow on September 14. Entering the city, he expected the Tsar to offer his surrender. This was not forthcoming and Kutuzovs army remained in the field. Possessing an empty city and lacking supplies, Napoleon was forced to begin his long and costly retreat west that October. Returning to friendly soil with around 23,000 men, Napoleons massive army had effectively been destroyed in the course of the campaign. The French army never fully recovered from the losses suffered in Russia. Sources Napoleon Guide: Battle of BorodinoBattle of Borodino, 1812War Times Journal: Battle of Borodino

The Declaration Of Independence What Shaped And Provided...

Abstract The declaration of Independence is what shaped and provided the freedom the United States of America has today. The Declaration of Independence today is looked at a symbol for America to reflect on as it paved the way for most of the rights we have today. This document has been fundamental to american history longer than any other text because it was the first text to use â€Å"The United States of America† and in a sense the Declaration was the birth certificate of the American nation. It embodied what came to be viewed as the most memorable and clear statement of the ideals on which America was founded: the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, while also the first successful declaration of independence in world history. THE IMPACT OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE The impact of the Declaration of independence is seen throughout all of american history and in everyday american life. This document had a significant impact in its age and far beyond its time, which can be seen through, not only the effect it had on america, but the world, paving the way for america, and the underlying principles. The Declaration of Independence has left its effects not just in the small and large details of the United States of America, but also in the details of other foreign countries. IMPACT ON THE WORLD The Declaration Of Independence isn t just a powerful document to the United Sates of America, but also to the world. This document was the firstShow MoreRelatedRespecting The Founding Fathers919 Words   |  4 Pagesdedicated to these courageous men demonstrate their lasting dignity in our society. These men were exceptional leaders who played a substantial role in American history and tremendously shaped our country for the better. 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Apush Dbq Free Essays

Progressive reformers were successful in producing reform and receiving national attention during the early stage of the progressive movement, but as America entered into the Great War, the government ceased to aid the movement, hence ending the era of reform from 1900 ­ 1920. Up until 1917, the progressive movement was successful in bring federal attention to issues such as monopolies and trusts, the working conditions in factories and the women’s rights movement. Strong reformers and the support from active presidents like Roosevelt and Wilson encouraged the progressive movement to flourish and pass bills and amendments, but when Wilson declared that America was to go to war against Germany in 1917, the movement which should have continued was ended because of the aftermath of the war. We will write a custom essay sample on Apush Dbq or any similar topic only for you Order Now Because of the war, the Progressive Era reformers and the federal government were moderately successful in bringing reform to America, but they were prevented from being truly being successful. The Progressive Era brought trusts and big businesses into the public eye and with the help of reformers and Teddy Roosevelt; bills were passed to limit the power of the big businesses that were dominating the American economy. With the help of the muckrakers who were journalists who uncovered the corruption in corporate America, the public got to see how exactly the big business capitalists were making their money. As more and more Americans realized that trusts were manipulative, there was more public outcry for reform. The election of Theodore Roosevelt also aided the crusade against trusts. Roo How to cite Apush Dbq, Papers Apush Dbq Free Essays xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Period 1 15 April, 2013 Mrs. Nelson Civil Rights Take Home DBQ In the years before the 60’s, the African Americans living all over the country were treated as less than every white person because of their skin color and their historical background of slavery and servitude. During the era of the 1960’s, the African Americans and part of the white community fought for equal civil rights. We will write a custom essay sample on Apush Dbq or any similar topic only for you Order Now Average Americans, Black and White, stood up against the opposing population to voice their opinions regarding daily injustices due to racial inequalities. At a local level, many people tried to make a change around their lives, but federal authority had to change in order to make a significant impact. The president of the United States at the time, John F. Kennedy, made a speech on June 11, 1963, addressing his plans to speak with Congress and urge them to notice the moral crisis that was happening. He stated that local and state level actions were not enough, it was time to get the Congress involved. JFK believed that â€Å"†¦race had no place in American life or law. † (doc. d) African Americans living in America have been enslaved and oppressed for hundreds of years. The white people have looked down on them and treated worse than animals. In the 1960’s, people stood up for what’s right and peacefully protested against racial injustice. Martin Luther King Jr. played a major role in establishing a lasting, yet peaceful mark on society. He worked diligently, trying to accomplish equal rights for black people. On August 28, 1963, King spoke to a mass of civil rights supporters about his call and demand for an end to racial discrimination. His speech was important in leaving a foundation for civil rights projects in the future. His speech focused on emphasizing the importance of national unity, and how it can only be truly achieved if everyone can get over their differences and talk out their problems without violence, anger, and hate. He believed that all acts of injustice must be stopped in order for equality to spread. â€Å"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. (doc. b) King’s peaceful notions inspired groups of people to join his movement, feeling safe and secure in a crowd with the same opinions and viewpoints. Contrary to Martin Luther King’s beliefs, a group of people called the Black Panthers chose to take a more aggressive stand against oppression. The Black Panthers was an African American revolutionary party. They believed that the armed racists in the police force and other authorities threatened the black people to a point where they armed themselves against the terror. The Black Panthers took action when the actions of peaceful people brought more repression lies, and hypocrisy. The group took it among themselves to enforce anti-racism, and anti-drug beliefs. The Black Panther Party for self-defense wanted to protect the African American community from the evils of the modern western world. Throughout the 1960s hardworking people fought for the equality of African Americans. They fought for their proper place in the American society. Peaceful protests and demonstrations inspired masses of supporters to stand up and be a part of the movement. Aggressive groups such as the Black Panthers took matters into their own hands and literally fought the enemy. Bought groups fought for the same reason and their actions reflect the almost equal and racism free environment that we live in every day. How to cite Apush Dbq, Papers

Dramatic Methods Essay Example For Students

Dramatic Methods Essay Explore Priestleys Dramatic methods in Act 1 of An Inspector Calls and explain how an understanding of the social and Historical contest of the play might be help to shape the audiences response to this scene as a whole.   In Inspector Calls was written by J.B. Priestley. In 1945, Priestley had experienced 2 world wars and so set the play in 1912 to give the Birlings a chance to change the world and to stop caring just for themselves and care for other people too. This shows us that Priestley was a didactic writer, writing to send a socialist message across. Mr. Birling contradicts himself when he says theres too much at stake these days. Everything to lose and nothing to gain by war meaning there wont be a war because theres nothing we will benefit from by having one.  Being set in 1912 meant that social status is quite an important part of everyday life. The social status was quite rigid and no one in a high class mingled with the lower classes accept in one workplace (as employer and worker). To understand the play you must understand this. One example of this is when Mrs. Birling says to Mr. Birling Arthur, youre not supposed to say such things when he had said for Edna (the maid) to tell the cook that it was a very good dinner and to tell cook from me. This shows that Mrs. Birling married into a class below her own because Mr. Birling had new found money meaning he had built up a fortune himself rather than inheriting it from his family. So he hadnt been brought up with the manners of an upper class of his stature. At dinner they are celebrating Sheilas engagement to Gerald. Mr. Birling is especially pleased because it gives him a chance to get into the Crofts firm and he can get into their wealth. Mr. Birling also tries to suck up to Gerald you ought to like this port Gerald. As a matter of fact, Finchley told me its exactly the same port your father gets from him. Mr. Birling wants Gerald to see that he can afford Mr. Crofts choice of port and he must be a good judge of port if other people fork out their money to buy it, again showing social status. When the curtains first go up you may expect to see a dining room with people sitting round the dinner table. In most plays I expect this is the case. In the national theatre production, however, it was not like this. There was a house in one corner of the stage that looked down onto a street below. There were a few children below the house playing in the rain. The inspector suddenly started to walk down through the audience giving a ghastly feel to his presence. This was very effective because it spooked out the audience and created an atmosphere. In the beginning of the National theatre production, the inspector appears to be dressed in clothes from the 1950s. This gives an effect because his name is inspector Goole, which could be translated as ghoul, being a ghost. When the house opens, the family is talking and then Mr. Birling says to Mrs. Birling you must take a little tonight. Special occasion, yknow, eh? This also tells us that Mrs. Birling doesnt usually drink. Soon after dinner, the women are separated from the men. You can see this when Mrs. Birling says to Edna ill ring from the drawing room when I want coffee. This makes you know more about whats going on in the play. What is the special occasion? This makes the audience interested so that they dont miss it when they are told not long after.  There is a little debate going on between Gerald and Sheila which seems to be playful- on the outside, Sheila says yes, except for all last summer, when you never came near me .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae , .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae .postImageUrl , .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae , .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae:hover , .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae:visited , .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae:active { border:0!important; } .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae:active , .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u55220e61d826339240aa048fbfa610ae:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: How does Shakespeare reveal Shylock to us in Act III Scene 1 EssayThis is important, because it comes out later in the play as being with Eva or Daisy. Although Geralds excuse is that I was awfully busy at the works all that time. This keeps you interested in the play, because you want to find out what is going on between them. It gives you the impression that there is some secret that Geralds hiding with an excuse and so gives a dramatical effect and keeps the audience interested. The room in which the play is situated is in an Edwardian style, which is comfortable but not cozy. This tells us more about their social status, and that they are most likely to be an upper mid dle class family. They must be fairly rich because they have a maid to clear the table for them.