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Napoleon 23 Russia

Russia/France divided Europe up into spheres of influence, but N believes Russia is not keeping to its end of the bargain . . . Russia feels that the French insistence on no trade with England is too onerous of a burden--English trade crucial to Russian economy . . . Continental economic crisis in 1811 . . . Napoleon feels Brits are weakened by war with USA , , , Russia's trade with Britain, against French wishes and agreements, strengthens Brits. . . N. furious--Russia benefitting from agreement with France but also benefitting from ignoring the agreement and trading with Brits . . . N. feels war is necessary . . .  Britain lurking . . . Iberian campaign going poorly for France . . . Wellington leading British troops . . . N. not swift in attacking; Russia has a year to prepare . . . Cross into Russia on June 24, 1812 . . . 1 million men . . . 52% foreign

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