From Ancient Pages, March 31, 2016:
Tsar Alexander I of Russia, at the head of the Coalition Army, triumphantly marched into Paris, forcing Napoleon to abdicate a few days later.
The Coalition armies, including Russian, Prussian, and Austrian, entered France earlier that year and, after several battles, reached Paris's gates. By this time, Napoleon's army was weakened.
Previous battles caused massive casualties, and the nation was tired and discouraged. After 25 years of Napoleonic wars, only older men and children remained in some departments, and resources to support the war were scarce.
Russian and Prussian armies were the driving and decisive force behind the Coalition. The King of Prussia and Alexander I supported each other in the war against Napoleon. Alexander was determined; he wished to enter Paris just as Napoleon had entered Moscow on his failed invasion of Russia in 1813. Alexander promised, 'I shall not make peace as long as Napoleon is on the throne.'
It was a great move by Alexander, who deceived Napoleon.
During the battles on the outskirts of Paris, Alexander directed the main Coalition armies to march on to Paris. At the same time, a Russian general with a vast mass of 10,000 cavalrymen rode towards Saint Pizier, where Napoleon was in battle with the Austrian allies. Napoleon realized too late that a divisionary detachment was sent, not the main army. By this time, Russian and Prussian troops were nearing Paris....
....MUCH MORE
