Chicago has been having a particularly weather spell, with 18-19 inches of snow last week (and additional 1 or 2 inches every couple of days). The temps have been in the teens (F.) since the end of last week, and will continue to be this week and next. When this happens it always makes me think of historians of the Russian campaign who downplay the effect of weather. Even today, with central heating and cars with heated seats (if the cars will start, not a given), there's a psychological effect (not to mention physiological effect) of the extended cold. Some how I get the suspicion those who claim "it wasn't that cold", live in more temperate climates.
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Duplicate post.
I agree there is a tendency to underplay the impact of weather. During the British retreat from Spain in 1812, the last phase of the journey into Portugal was marked by freezing rain and snow. Given the location, it was unlikely to be anything like the conditions faced in Russia (or Chicago, for that matter). However, for exhausted soldiers who had been constantly on the move for months, it proved fatal in many cases. Accounts attest to the number of soldiers, and camp followers, who just sat down by the side of the road and died.