In September 1812, the Grande Armée, a massive force assembled by Napoleon Bonaparte, reached Moscow, the capital of Russia. This event marked a pivotal point in the failed French invasion of Russia, which had commenced earlier that summer. With approximately 600,000 soldiers, the Grande Armée aimed to assert French dominance over Europe, but as they advanced deeper into Russian territory, they encountered fierce resistance. The Russian army employed scorched earth tactics, retreating and burning supplies and lands, which left the French without the necessary provisions for their troops.

Upon reaching Moscow, Napoleon anticipated a swift victory that would lead to the end of the conflict, expecting Tsar Alexander I to negotiate. However, much to the French's dismay, the city was mostly deserted, having been evacuated by its inhabitants. A significant part of Moscow was set ablaze, depriving the French of resources and shelter, and revealing the impracticality of their campaign plan. The allure of conquering the capital soon turned into a nightmare as the bleak reality of the situation settled in amidst the encroaching winter.

The sight of the Kremlin, known for its magnificent architecture, did not yield the expected advantage for the French. Instead, it became a symbol of their logistical difficulties and the hardships they would soon face, as Napoleon's victory quickly turned into a retreat. His forces would ultimately suffer catastrophic losses during the brutal Russian winter, leading to one of the most significant military failures in history. This moment underscored the challenges of extended supply lines, the tenacity of the Russian defense, and the harshness of the Russian climate, shaping military strategies in the years to come.