Battle of Smolensk

Napoleon attacked the fortified town of Smolensk to pin the Russian army and force a decisive battle. Despite intense fighting and devastating bombardments, the Russians finally abandoned the town at night, allowing the French to seize it.

Napoleon, having penetrated Russia with the Grande Armée, sought to force the Russians into a great battle. Smolensk, on the road to Moscow, was a strategic place. The Russians refused frontal shock and withdrew after inflicting heavy losses.

Napoleon attempted an envelopment by forcing the Dnieper. French artillery bombarded the town walls for two days. Several assaults were mounted on Smolensk's gates with partial success. The Russians evacuated under pressure.

The town lay in ruins and losses were high. Napoleon controlled a strategic point, but the Russian army remained intact. This battle showed growing logistical difficulties and the progressive wear on French troops in Russian territory.