This day in Russian history and the History of the world.

September 7

September 7, 1812: The Battle of Borodino, the largest and bloodiest single-day action of the French invasion of Russia took place.

The battle involved more than 250,000 troops and resultedg in at least 70,000 casualties.

The French Grande Arme under Emperor Napoleon I attacked the Imperial Russian army of General Mikhail Kutuzov near the village of Borodino, west of the town of Mozhaysk, and eventually captured the main positions on the battlefield, but failed to destroy the Russian army.

About a third of Napoleon's soldiers were killed or wounded. The battle at Borodino was a pivotal point in the campaign, as it was the last offensive action fought by Napoleon in Russia.

By withdrawing, the Russian army preserved its combat strength, eventually allowing them to force Napoleon out of the country.

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