Question

Napoleon lost thousands of soldiers on his quest to overcome the governments of Europe. What did Napoleon not count on that led to this defeat?

Napoleon did not count on the vast will of the Russian people.

Napoleon did not count on the weakness of his troops.

Napoleon did not count on the folly of his inept plan.

Napoleon did not count on the Russian’s scourge earth policy.

Answer 1

Napoleon did not count on the Russians' scorched‑earth policy.

As Russian forces retreated they burned crops, livestock and supplies and denied shelter, leaving the Grande Armée starving and exposed. Combined with long supply lines and the harsh Russian winter, this policy devastated Napoleon’s army.