The Battle of Vyazma occurred during Napoleon Bonaparte's ill-fated invasion of Russia in 1812. As his Grande Armée advanced, they faced immense challenges, including dwindling supplies and the onset of the Russian winter. The Russian military, employing scorched earth tactics and strategic retreats, effectively lured French forces deeper into the countryside. At Vyazma, the situation escalated when Russian General Mikhail Kutuzov organized a surprise attack on Napoleon's rearguard, aiming to disrupt the French retreat as they sought to regroup and resupply. The ensuing combat resulted in significant French losses, both in terms of men and matériel, exacerbating the disarray within Napoleon's ranks.

Despite good initial conditions to engage, the French suffered from the exhaustion of their troops and prevailing harsh weather, with many soldiers ill-prepared for the winter. Transportation difficulties only amplified these issues as the previously disciplined army descended into chaos, with soldiers facing hunger and abandonment. The defeat at Vyazma was a severe blow to Napoleon’s morale and credibility as a military leader, marking a crucial point from which the campaign against Russia would unravel further.

The aftermath saw a shift in momentum, emboldening the Russian forces and galvanizing the spirit of resistance among other allied nations against Napoleonic rule. This battle signified the waning of French dominance in Europe and foreshadowed the eventual retreat from Moscow, which would come to signify the turning tides of the Napoleonic Wars.