Welcome to Russian History Retold, Episode 269, Mikhail Katozov, military genius and

Napoleon's nemesis, Part 5.

Last time, we covered the events leading up to Katozov, being given overall command of

the Russian Army, to turn back the invasion of the country by the Grand Armée of Napoleon

Bonaparte.

Today, we end this series with the French defeat, Katozov's victory and his death in 1813.

On August 18th, 1812, Mikhail Laryanovich Katozov was ushered into the imperial residence

of Tsar Alexander to talk about his plans for the war against Napoleon.

The general assured the emperor that he would not allow the French Grand Armée to march

into and attack Russia as long as there were still troops in Smolensk.

Unfortunately, neither knew that the Ukrainian city was already in Napoleon's hands.

The Tsar was unhappy with the decision to name Katozov as the commander of all of the

Russian forces.

As he told one of his aides, quote, the public wanted his appointment, so I appointed him.

As for myself, I washed my hands of it all.

Neither man knew what the war's outcome would be, but when Katozov made it to the first

relay post on the way to Smolensk, he was met by report that the city had indeed fallen.

The general would be heard to say the key to Moscow has been given away.

The arrival of Katozov in the town of Ghazatsk on August 29th excited the soldiers as

he was considered the best Russian military mind in the country.

As one soldier put it, Katozov had quote a Russian name, a Russian mind and a Russian heart.

As Karl Venklauswitz said quote, Katozov's arrival stirred fresh confidence in the army,

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