Rising tensions and a weakening alliance between France and Russia prompted Napoleon to build up his army to exceed 450,000 men. Then, although he was cautioned against it, Napoleon invaded Russia on June 23, 1812. French troops advanced deep into Russian territory while the Russians avoided direct battle, relying on the scorched earth strategy to starve the French. After the bloody Battle of Borodino outside Moscow, Napoleon entered Moscow to find that the Russians had burned it. As a result, the French were forced into a long retreat. Many soldiers and followers died in the harsh winter conditions. This disaster hurt Napoleon's reputation to the point that he was forced to abdicate as Emperor of France.
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