The defender of Europe
To cope with the military threat
Alexander I had to resolve the foreign military threats because the Ottoman Empire declared war on the Russian Empire in an attempt to recapture the lost territories with French support. Mikhail Kutuzov, the Field Marshal of the Russian Empire, defeated and captured the Turkish troops to confront Napoleon's military ambition.
War of the Third Coalition
Alexander I decided to join the War of the Third Coalition in spite of Kutuzov’s objection. Although ¼ of the expedition force and Russian generals sacrificed their lives, the Russian suffered a massive defeat. Alexander I swore to the god that he would take revenge in the future.
War of the Fourth Coalition
The Russian participated in the War of the Fourth Coalition one year later. Due to an enormous French army and innovative military tactics, the Russians were defeated at the Battle of Friedland. Napoleon and Alexander I signed a mutual treaty to end wars and form a military alliance.
An outbreak of full-scale war
The short term peace could not prevent further military conflicts between the two countries. Napoleon once again invaded Russia with full national power. Although the French Army swept over the Russian territories, the Russian soldiers set the land on fire during a military retreat so the French got inadequate daily supplies.
Unite as one
Alexander I delivered a motivational speech to his people when the French were about to invade Moscow. “The Russian people unite as one! Pick up your weapon and wipe out all invaders!”. Kutuzov was also appointed as the Field Marshal of all Russian Army to fight against the French aggressors.
Scorched earth tactics-anti-attack
The French could not collect enough daily supply due to the Russian scorched earth tactics. As the French army heavily suffered from contagious diseases and extreme weather, Alexander I ordered 400,000 Russian troops to recapture the lost territories and liberate the French-occupied regions. After the military defeat of the First French Empire, the Russian rolled out the red carpet to welcome Alexander I and his troops.
A formidable empire
Under Alexander I’s physical training scheme, the Russian people became courageous and disciplined in case of wars. The Russian Empire had the largest troops in Europe but this intensified financial burdens and internal corruption. Alexander I rejected liberal reform and conducted political centralisation yet he also pursued “equality before the law” to alleviate the crime rate.
Alexander I successfully reinvigorated the European monarchy and suppressed the rise of liberalism after the ultimate defeat of Napoleon. He gained unprecedented respect from the European nobles but the people had very limited chances to alleviate social equality.
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