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Menton was surprised by what happened to Napoleon and his army because they faced several unexpected challenges during their campaign. Here are some reasons for Menton's surprise:
1. Unfavorable weather conditions: Napoleon and his army encountered harsh winter weather during their invasion of Russia. The freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall made it extremely difficult for them to travel and sustain themselves. This led to a loss of supplies and caused many soldiers to die from exposure and frostbite.
2. Lack of provisions: The French army did not have enough food and resources to sustain themselves during the long campaign. As they advanced further into Russia, supply lines became stretched, and they struggled to secure enough provisions. This resulted in hunger, malnutrition, and weakened soldiers.
3. Guerilla warfare tactics: The Russian forces employed guerilla warfare tactics, which caught Napoleon's army off guard. Instead of engaging in direct battles, the Russians would launch surprise attacks and then retreat, making it challenging for the French to maintain control over the territory. This unconventional warfare strategy weakened the morale of Napoleon's troops and hindered their progress.
4. Disease outbreaks: Napoleon's army also suffered from widespread diseases, particularly typhus, which further weakened their forces. The unsanitary conditions, lack of proper medical facilities, and close quarters within the army camps contributed to the rapid spread of diseases. This led to a significant loss of soldiers and further diminished their fighting capabilities.
These unforeseen circumstances and challenges greatly surprised Menton and others because they had initially expected a swift and successful campaign. The combination of adverse weather, logistical difficulties, guerilla warfare, and disease outbreaks ultimately contributed to the downfall of Napoleon's army.