Russia was successful in defeating Napoleon's troops due to the weather. Napoleon had far superior troops and technology, he just left at the wrong time of the year. His men were not prepared. They were not ready for freezing temperatures. They left in the summer and didn't pack their wool uniforms because they had assumed it would be a quick win. This will also lead to Napoleon's downfall as he turns an ally into and enemy must then fight a 2-front war (fight on both sides: British in the West and Russians in the East).
