Final answer:
Napoleon's defeat in Russia was primarily due to the harsh winter, the Russian scorched earth policy, and a lack of resources after the Russians tactically retreated and burned Moscow. This prevented Napoleon from achieving a decisive victory and ultimately led to a catastrophic retreat.
Step-by-step explanation:
Factors Contributing to Napoleon's Defeat in Russia
The defeat of Napoleon's Grand Army in Russia was influenced by several critical factors. The first and most notorious was Russia's long, severe winters, which devastated the French troops as they were not equipped for such extreme conditions. The lack of supplies exacerbated by the Russian scorched earth policy, which left the French with no food or shelter in a foreign land, greatly contributed to the failure of Napoleon's campaign. Furthermore, Russia's tactical retreats, such as their withdrawal from Moscow after setting it ablaze, prevented Napoleon from achieving a decisive victory and destroyed any chance of finding adequate quarters for his army.
When the French forces reached Moscow, expecting supplies and shelter, they found a city in flames and devoid of resources. The harsh winter and lack of provisions forced Napoleon to order a retreat, turning the campaign into a disastrous march home. At last, the continual harassment by Russian forces during their retreat depleted the French army's numbers even further, adding to the heavy losses they had already suffered.