The Russo-French alliance gradually becomes strained.
Napoleon is concerned about Russia's intentions in the strategically vital Bosporus and Dardenelles straits.
At the same time, Alexander views the Grand Duchy of Warsaw, the French-controlled reconstituted Polish state, with suspicion.
The requirement of joining France's Continental Blockade against Britain is a serious disruption of Russian commerce, and in 1810 Alexander repudiates the obligation.
In June 1812, Napoleon invades Russia with six hundred thousand troops—a force twice as large as the Russian regular army.
Napoleon hopes to inflict a major defeat on the Russians and force Alexander to sue for peace.
As Napoleon pushes the Russian forces back, however, he becomes seriously overextended.
Obstinate Russian resistance combines with the Russian winter to deal Napoleon a disastrous defeat, from which fewer than thirty thousand of his troops return o their homeland.
As the French retreat, the Russians pursues them into Central and Western Europe and to the gates of Paris.
After the allies defeat Napoleon, Alexander becomes known as the savor of Europe, and he plays a prominent role in the redrawing of the map of Europe at the Congress of Vienna in 1815.
In the same year, under the influence of religious mysticism, Alexander initiates the creation of the Holy Alliance, a loose agreement pledging the rulers of the nations involved—including most of Europe — to act according to Christian principles.
More pragmatically, in 1814 Russia, Britain, Austria, and Prussia had formed the Quadruple Alliance.
The allies create an international system to maintain the territorial status quo and prevent the resurgence of an expansionist France.
The Quadruple Alliance, confirmed by a number of international conferences, ensures Russia's influence in Europe.
View Event
