How did Napoleon?

Answer 1

The first outcome of Napoleon's defeat in Russia was the final demolition of the myth of his invincibility.

The notice of the "débâcle", added to the new successful advance of Wellington's army in Spain, had a great effect in restoring a new hope in the governments and peoples subjected to the control of the French Empire.

That would have led to a new attempt from the part of Prussia and other states of north Germany to get rid of the Napoleon's domination.

Within a few months also Austria would break the alliance with the French, lining up at the side of Prussia and Russia, giving the start to the lowering of French influence in Europe.

The 1812's disasters had a strong negative effects also to the French military power. Due to the awful suffered losses, Napoleon would have had great difficulties to rebuild his armies to face the approaching menace of his united enemies.

As statement of facts Napoleon lost about 570,000 men out of about 655,000 who crossed the River Vistula in the summer of 1812.

Furthermore, he lost more than 200,000 trained ( cavalry, artillery and transportation) horses, which particularly harmed the cavalry, whose efficiency could have never been restored at the pre-war level. Last but not least only 250 piece of ordnance , out of 1,300, remained in French hand. The French former military power never really recovered after the Campaign of Russia.