Battle of Cape Gangut - one of the glorious pages of Russian history, immortalized celebration, dubbed the Day of Military Glory.He came on August 9.On this day in 1714 Russia celebrated his first victory of the sea, having won on 27 July.On the same day, but six years later, Russian defeated the Swedes near the island Grengam that allowed our country to finally gain a foothold in the Baltic Sea.Battle of Cape Gangut, the date of which - July 27, 1714, marked the beginning of the end of the hegemony of the Swedes in the Baltic Sea.
vitally needed access to the sea
entire burden of a grueling, bloody, long Northern War (1700-1721), despite the fact that it was involved in a number of European countries and the Ottoman Empire, as always, fell on the shoulders of Russia.This great war, which occurred in the first quarter of the XVIII century, and is not called because the Russian-Swedish, that it took part on both sides, not only the countries of Europe, having access to the Baltic Sea.Prior to these events, Russia did not have such an output, which prevented her to trade with the leading countries of Europe and, as a consequence, to develop economically.
Swedish blockade
Sweden, while dominant in the Baltic Sea, although its fleet was only the fourth in the world, cynically called it the North Sea by the Swedish lake.In addition, it is well equipped with its fortress Noteburg that lesson to her Swedes called Nut, clogging the only way out of Russia in the Baltic Sea across the Neva.Part of old Russian land lost in the previous wars of the late XVI - early XVII centuries, remained in the hands of Sweden.Battle of Cape Gangut happened 5 years after the Battle of Poltava, bringing the power of Sweden was undermined and there was a crisis in Russia's favor.However, it was the victory of the land and the sea Russia could not oppose that country.
navies have
Before Peter I Russia was not a maritime power, that is, she did not have the navy, but a few ships built under Peter the Great's father to escort merchant ships in the Caspian Sea.A defeat at Azov in 1695 forced the Russian Tsar specifically on the creation of the fleet.Within a few months, it was launched motley flotilla, consisting of 1000 plows, 23 galleys and two 36-gun ships, which were under the command of Admiral FY Lefort in July 1696 forced the garrison to surrender Azov.The result of this victory was the decision of the Boyar Duma, "Marine vessels to be!" Then, in 1702, fell Noterburg.In 1703-m was taken at the mouth of the Neva Nieshants.Sunuvshiesya here two Swedish military ships under the cover of morning mist were attacked fishing boats and captured.The operation was led by Menshikov and Peter himself.
construction of a large shipyard
In 1703 laid the Peter and Paul Fortress, and 1704th began to build a fortress Kronshlot (Kronstadt).All these events are hastening the battle off Cape Gangut.Sweden is not abandoned their attempts to capture and destroy the Peter and Paul Fortress and Kronshlot.However, they were repulsed.To stop the defensive and the offensive, it was necessary to capture the Baltic Sea.Therefore, in the spring of 1713, landed in Finland, the Russian army of 16 thousand people captures the city: current Porvoo (Borgo), Turku (Åbo) and the capital Helsinki (Helsinki).Between Sweden and Russia was only the Gulf of Bothnia, in the middle of the island which were Aldan.Russia already had a fleet.The first ships were built in the years 1702-1703 at the shipyard, located at the mouth of the river syazi (Lake Ladoga).But already in 1704 laid the St. Petersburg Admiralty Shipyard.Now the year of the battle of Cape Gangut - 1714 th.
ambitious plans
Formed from ships coming down the stocks of the Admiralty Shipyard, the Navy went to the army of Peter I in Finland.King initially wanted to throw his strength on the island, and then to land in Sweden.Galleries and scampaways in the number 99 pieces, which will accommodate 15 thousand soldiers went to Abo is a center for the Russian army.Preparing roll Aldan archipelago for landing.The operation was directed by F. Apraksin.But the southernmost point of the peninsula, where happen shortly Battle of Cape Gangut, the way they blocked a powerful, superior in the number of Russian military ships and equipping them with the Swedish fleet.
military genius Peter
the flagship "Elephant" Vice Admiral Vatrang, under whose command the flotilla was to defeat the Russian, had no doubt of success.Flotilla of 15 ships of the line and three frigates and a large group of rowing boats to confront it was difficult, and Apraksin, who possessed neither desperate courage nor adventurism Lefort, Menshikov, and Peter himself, from independent actions declined by removing so with responsibility.In response to his message to the place of conflict comes Peter I. After the acquaintance with the situation and terrain-chief tells in a narrow part of the peninsula Gangut arrange Perevoloki.Peter wanted to drag the part of its ships to the other side of the peninsula and hit the rear of the Swedish fleet.
God with us
While plank timber to facilitate transportation vessels portage, the Swedes became known maneuver.In order to prevent it Vatrang Admiral sends 10 ships (the flagship, 6 galleys and 3 shkerbota) under the command of N. Erenshelda descent to the place of Russian ships on the water - in Rilaks Fjord.But nature was on the Russian side, and July 26, 1714 the wind stops completely defuses Swedish sailing.Peter and his flotilla of rowing oars bypasses main fleet Swedes reaches Erenshelda vessels and block them Rilaks Fjord.
first victory of the sea
Battle of Cape Gangut occurred July 27, 1714.Swedes resoundingly rejected a proposal to surrender, and on the third attempt (the first two were beaten as Swedes were 116 guns against 23 of Peter) Russian galley came close to the enemy ships and take them on board the ship.After fierce fighting, "Elephant" ("Elephant") was captured, and the rest surrendered to the court.Total losses amounted to 469 Russian people, of whom 124 were killed, which was buried with full honors, and the Swedes lost 700 killed and 230 surrendered unconditionally.Russian fleet did not lose a single ship, and all 10 of the Swedish courts have become the spoils of war.Vice Admiral Vatrang the fleet retreated to Stockholm.Swedish court in horror evacuated from the capital.Russian troops occupied the Aland archipelago, from which during all the last years of the Northern War the Russian guns bombed the Swedish coast, inflicting substantial damage.
feat of Russian sailors
sea battle off Cape Gangut and its results are very strengthened the position of Russian in Finland.Peter himself compared the first Victoria Russian fleet in significance to the victory in the Battle of Poltava.The king was delighted with the courage, bravery, boldness and sacrifice of his army.In honor of this glorious Victoria was minted medal for all participants, it received 144 officers and 2813 soldiers and non-commissioned officers.Battle of Cape Gangut occurred July 27, 1714, and this date has expanded the list of feats of arms of Russia.Colourful and lush celebration of the first victory of the Russian fleet were held in St. Petersburg on September 9th.Ceremonies were two.The first took place on the streets of the capital under the cheers of the townspeople.
Great holiday
first into the Neva entered the caravan, consisting of captives Swedish ships, led by the three Russian galleys.Commander's galley shautbeynahta Peter Mikhailov (alias Peter I) followed the captured ships, two galleys with soldiers closed the caravan.On the descent to the beach flags and prisoners, among them was Erenshildt, carried and held in the city.The procession was directed to the Arc de Triomphe.And above it stood a display in which the eagle clutching the back of an elephant.The inscription read: "Russian eagle does not catch flies."Under the bishop implied flagship "Elephant."Costumed action continued in the Senate, where lush surroundings knyaz- "Caesar" Romodanovsky shautbeynahta Peter Mikhailov greeted with the words: "Hello, Vice-Admiral!" So Peter the First was awarded this title for which he received a 2240 rubles annually.
Becoming Empire
But not over yet Northern War.Battle of Cape Gangut was incorporated in all the textbooks maritime warfare, it was the first victory.The second largest and determine the outcome of the Northern War of Peter's Victory Fleet occurred, notably on July 27, but already in 1720.Having gained her the island Grengam.By this time, Russia has become a major maritime power with the mighty and invincible fleet.And before the end of the Great Northern War in 1716 in the Baltic Sea were the maneuvers, involving 84 ships from the Baltic countries.21 ships owned by Russia.But the most important thing is that Peter I was recognized as the Baltic states as a major military navigator, and the right to command a squadron of the combined British, Dutch, Danish and Russian ships was entrusted to him.Battle of Cape and islands Grengam Gangut Russia brought worldwide fame and recognition by its neighbors a major maritime power.
