The fire that swept through Moscow in September 1812 is often attributed to the chaos accompanying Napoleon Bonaparte's invasion of Russia during the French Revolutionary Wars. As French troops entered the city, the Russian inhabitants who chose not to evacuate set in motion a devastating blaze that would eventually consume over three-quarters of the city. Strategic retreats combined with the hope of denying resources to the advancing troops led to this radical act of destruction. Amidst this climate of despair, Napoleon Bonaparte returned to the Kremlin from the Petrovsky Palace. The Kremlin, despite being in close proximity to the flames, remained intact, offering a stark contrast to the smoldering remains of Moscow's neighborhoods.

This inflection point was critical in the overarching Napoleonic Wars as it showcased the resilience of the Russian spirit. The flames did not just singe the city; they represented a turning point in the war where Russian forces, although suffering losses, would rally under the banner of national pride and resistance. The winter was approaching, and the ramifications of the fire were profound, leaving the French soldiers without shelter or adequate resources, weakening their morale. As Napoleon surveyed the order emerging from chaos around him, little did he realize the vulnerabilities this chaos had instilled within his forces, setting the stage for a disastrous retreat.