alternatehistory.com

On June 22, France launches Operation Charlemagne.
The armed forces of France and its allies invaded the Soviet Union, quickly advancing deep into Soviet territory. During December, having suffered multiple defeats during the summer and autumn, Soviet forces counter-attacked during the Battle of Moscow and successfully drove the French Army (Grande Armee) from the environs of Moscow.

The capture of Stalingrad was important to Napoleon V for two primary reasons. Firstly, it was a major industrial city on the Volga a vital transport route between the Caspain and Northern Russia. Secondly, its capture would secure the left flank of the French armies as they advanced into the oil-rich Caucasus region – with the strategic goal of cutting off fuel to Stalin's war machine.

Napleon V had declared in a public speech in Paris on September 30 that the French army would never leave the city. At a meeting shortly after the Soviet encirclement of the French 6th army. French army chiefs pushed for an immediate breakout to a new line on the west of the Don.

Why was Napoleon V so adamant to outdo his more famous relative in invading Russia? Why couldn't he have just left well enough alone?
Top