What is in the early seventeenth century, Russian foreign policy?Northern War - struggle for the Baltic Sea - that is the main and most important events of those years.The battle lasted twenty-one years.Some call it the Great Northern War, and some - Twenty Year.In general, the battle between the coalition of the northern European countries and the Swedish empire began in 1700 and ended in 1721.
countries fought for the possession of the Baltic territories.Unfortunately, the battle ended with the defeat of Sweden.But the war ended, because we all, sooner or later come to an end, and in Europe, formed the young Russian Empire.She had a powerful navy and imposing army.It was the capital of St. Petersburg.He was on the shore of the Baltic Sea.
So, on the initiative of the Polish king August II the Saxon Elector and was created by the Northern Alliance.This organization initially declared war on Sweden.The Northern Alliance also includes Russia, headed by Peter I, and the Norwegian-Danish kingdom, whose head was King Christian the Fifth.
After a series of lightning-Swedish victories in 1700 North Union disintegrated.Further, Denmark left the battlefield in 1700, but withdrew in 1706. Saxony Russian state had to fight with the Swedes on their own, but by 1709 the Northern Alliance has been restored.Stages of the Great Northern War differ: after all, fought on the side of Russia that Prussia, the Netherlands, the Hannover.And Sweden's first battles helped England (since 1707 - United Kingdom), then Holstein and the Ottoman Empire.
Ukrainian Cossacks Zaporozhye Cossacks in conjunction with the section and to some extent supported the Turks and Swedes, but mainly contributed to the Russian troops.As a result, Russia was able to regain control of the ancient Russian fiefdoms in the Baltic region, lost in troubled times.
why the war started?
What are the major causes of the Great Northern War?Let's try to answer this question.It is known that at the beginning of the eighteenth century Swedish Empire was the dominant country in the Baltic Sea.In addition, it was considered one of the leading countries in Europe.This solid state owned part of the Baltic coast: Enables the current Baltic Sea, the whole Gulf of Finland, part of the southern coast of the Baltic Sea.
interesting that in 1697 he was appointed Head of Sweden Carl Twelfth fifteen.Neighbors Sweden drew attention to his young age and counting on an easy victory: the Norwegian-Danish kingdom of Saxony, and Russia is trying to make a complaint to Sweden over its territory.These three powers have created the Northern Alliance, whose founder was King of Poland and Elector of Saxony August II.This man wanted to subdue Livonia (Livonia), part of Sweden that would strengthen his power in the Commonwealth.By the way, Livonia found itself in the hands of Sweden in accordance with the Oliwa peace treaty in 1660.
What pushed Denmark to the conflict with Sweden?Of course, the long-held desire to dominate the Baltic Sea.It is known that in 1658 Charles X Gustav in the course of a campaign in Jutland defeated the Danes.It is also in the south of the Scandinavian peninsula took several provinces.Denmark had to give up the collection of fees from ships that passed through the Strait of Zundsky.By the way, the two powers vied for control of the southern neighbor Denmark - duchy of Schleswig-Holstein.
Causes of the Great Northern War also lie in the following: Russian Tsar Peter I, after talks with Augustus joined the Northern Alliance last.This event was designed in the form of the Transfiguration of the contract.Land claims Russia to Sweden included Ingria and Karelia: these countries have been captured in the Time of Troubles Sweden in accordance with the contract Stolbovo 1617.Russia is also not averse to annex land and Livonia, because of their subjection to Russia in the eleventh century the chronicles remember - the territory of the ancient thought "patrimony" of the Russian rulers.
Interestingly, during the 1656-1658 years of fighting the Russian army was able for a while to take the eastern part of Livonia and Ingria.The Russians captured Noteburg Nienschanz and Dinaburg, laid siege to Riga.But the war with Poland was resumed, and Russia had to sign a peace treaty Kardissky - Sweden return all conquered lands.
It is interesting to study the causes of the Great Northern War - is the key to understanding the impressive battles.So, Russian Power provided the trade relations with Europe via Arkhangelsk - the only port on the White Sea.Here there was a heavy and irregular navigation, which is very complicated the trade.And in the field of shipbuilding and seafaring in the White Sea was a significant backlog.In general, the acquisition of an outlet to the Baltic Sea is considered an important economic task for Russia.
not it listed a rather good reason Northern War?By the way, a minor factor in the coming battle was the Russian end of the war with Turkey.Constantinople Peace Treaty was signed July 3, 1700, and 18 August, Turkey was declared a final peace.Finally, on August 19, Russia declared war on Sweden.Immediately all Swedish goods in Moscow, began to confiscate according to the newly issued decrees.They were withdrawn in favor of the Russian treasury.Then he was arrested in Moscow and the Swedish envoy.
casus belli considered various troubles, especially in 1697 personal insult.After all, when Peter I, traveled to Europe, Swedes greeted coolly in Riga.In this land claims were not mentioned.Home
battles
members of the Northern War differed extraordinary abilities.For example, eighteen Swedish King Karl XII was "in love with war."He had a remarkable tactical flair.So the Swedes in the first hostilities were able to win a series of major victories.However, brave warrior Charles XII was a very bad politician: he outlined themselves and their army unfeasible war aims.
His main enemy of Peter I turned vysokoodarёnnym commander, a military strategist and organizer.In addition, it was considered a very astute and talented diplomat.Of course, he was haunted by the failure at the beginning of the battle, but in the end the company was successful.After Charles XII made too many mistakes.
battles of the Northern War in some way supported and Ayuka Khan.This Kalmyk lord was born in Dzungaria.He moved at age twelve in the Volga region, where he was proclaimed the first Taisha Kalmyk horde.The Russian authorities have started negotiations with the Kalmyks, during which they were able to make friends with them.Russia at the time the policy is strongly encouraged Ayuka.Instead, he allowed her to use his army in the battles of the Great Northern War.
Campaign Denmark
members of the Northern War, namely the troops of Saxony, 12 February 1700 laid siege to Riga.However, dreams of Augustus II was not destined to be fulfilled: the Livonian know not sided with the attackers, and the division in August of success is not achieved.King Frederick IV of Denmark in August of the same year raided the duchy of Holstein-Gottorp in the southern part of the state.However, ten thousand Swedish soldiers, led Karl XII, was caught by surprise the Danes landed near Copenhagen.Denmark was forced to break the alliance with Augustus II: August 7 it had to sign a peace treaty Travendalsky.
hike on Russian Ingermanland
And now look at the major events of the Northern War.It is known that a peace treaty of Constantinople, Peter received a message on August 18.Nobody notified that Denmark ceased hostilities, and therefore August 19, he declared war on Sweden.As a result, Russian troops launched an offensive.
Earlier, Russia has signed a union agreement with Augustus II, according to which it was to receive Ingermanland (aka the Swedish Ingria).This country is the size of the current corresponds to the Leningrad region.
Interestingly, on the border between Estonia and Ingermanland was placed an impressive city and the largest castle in the region of Sweden - Narva.This fortress has become a target for the Russian commanders.
not it stages the Northern War is very diverse and picturesque?Consider a trip to the Narva.It was organized by the fall, it is unfortunate.Food was scarce, the soldiers were starving.Horses carrying gear, fed so badly that they die-off began.In addition, it began to rain, the condition of roads deteriorated, baggage carts broke down regularly.
general Peter I wanted to gather near the Narva more than sixty thousand soldiers.Unfortunately, the army moved into the area too slow and tear plans and timing of the king.As a result of the siege of Narva on 14 October which was attended by only 40 thousand soldiers.
siege of Narva
What is more famous Northern War?Let us briefly consider the siege of Narva.The event was organized poorly.Cannon shelling of the city turned out to be ineffective, as Russian troops used guns LBW.Moreover, enough ammunition only a couple of weeks.
Narva - fort duplex with neighboring Ivangorod.Pёtru why I, personally, was planned siege, had to stretch as much as possible the Russian troops, both at the same time surrounded the fortress.Such an arrangement for the Russian forces was very unfortunate: the next time the battle of Narva, it weakened their fighting ability.
What taken August II?After receiving information about a quick exit from the war in Denmark, he immediately took off the siege of Riga, retreated to Kurland.The course of the Northern War was changed: thanks to the actions of Augustus II, Charles XII was able to transfer part of his army by sea to Pernau (Parnu).He landed there on October 6 and went to Narva besieging Russian army.
Then, on the night of November 18, Field Marshal Count Golovin, together with Peter I left the army - they went to Novgorod.The king ordered the supreme command of the senior in rank - stranger to the Duke de Croy.The army of Charles XII November 19, 1700 caused the Russian army in the battle of Narva a heavy defeat.Interestingly, the Swedish army numbered 25 thousand people, and Russian - 40 thousand.
Years Northern War interesting cowardly actions of the Duke de Croy, who even before the decisive battle gave Charles XII.But he gave up not one, but together with his staff, composed of foreigners.After all the losses of the Russian army is still numerically superior Swedish.But by November 21 the bulk of it capitulated on the orders of the Duke of Croy.
should be noted that the Life Guards Semenov and the Life Guards Regiment staunchly defended by the Swedes.They not only failed to prevent the shameful capitulation, but also cover the retreat of the Russian troops, thereby protecting it from final defeat.For courage, showed in this battle, the soldiers of the regiment in the years 1700-1740 were awarded red stockings: in memory of the fact that "they were standing in this battle of the knee in the blood."
Exodus campaign
Battle of the Great Northern War ended in different ways.For example, the result of military actions at Narva on the Russian side was terrible: the loss mortally wounded, dead, deserted, drowned, died of hunger and frost ranged from eight to ten thousand people.In addition, seven hundred people, including ten generals and fifty-six officers were in captivity, was lost 179 of 184 guns.It was a disaster.
reasons for the defeat of the Russian army
Some Northern War battle ended in defeat.Let's look at the reasons for the defeat of the Russian army in the Battle of Narva.Firstly, the army was disgusting prepared for war with a powerful enemy.Moreover, it was in the process of reorganization.Secondly, the army was poorly armed and did not know how to fight according to the laws of linear tactics, carry out reconnaissance missions.Artillery was diversiform and outdated.In fact, she had at that time there were more than twenty-five different calibers - this nuance sorely hampered its supply of ammunition.And finally, the most important point: the Russian army was absent from its own national command structure.After all, the main command posts occupied by foreign officers.
in Europe after the failure of several years believed that the Russian army is totally unfit for combat.At the same time Charles XII Swedish nicknamed Alexander the Great.
What are the main events of the Northern War took place after the defeat of the Russian army at Narva?Peter I took the next step: he limited the number of foreign officers in the army.Now they were only a third of the total number of officers of the department.
noteworthy that the defeat at Narva played a huge role in the development of Russian troops and the history of the state.The historian Pokrovskii noted that all Russian interests in the war boiled down to the conquest of the land-trade and gaining control of the Baltic trading ports.That is why Peter in the early stages of the conflict has paid particular attention to the Baltic Sea ports - Riga and Narva.Unfortunately, he suffered a crushing defeat at Narva, and was driven back to the area of contemporary St. Petersburg.Peter decided to build a new port and the city at the mouth of the Neva River - the future capital of the Russian Empire.
Russian campaign
So lasted Northern War.Briefly described later Russian campaign, but succinctly.Of course, Peter I appreciated the reasons why the Russian troops were defeated at Narva.Now he directed the full potential of the country and to prepare troops for the war with Sweden.It creates a new regular army, improving its organizational structure, a system of training and education, becomes the latest weapons.
He renews artillery - reduces the number of calibers, they now number just 12. By order of Peter I for a minimum period was cast three hundred new tools.It should be noted that some of the weapons were made of church bells seized the treasury and melted.As a result, Peter regained strength after the failure of Narva and resumed the offensive in the north.
Battle of Ingermanlandii
North to continue the war?Briefly examine the subsequent course of events.It is known that the main forces of Sweden participated in the battles in Saxony and the Commonwealth.Taking advantage of the moment, Peter in 1701 ordered the north to start a new offensive.Then Russian troops commanded by Boris Sheremetev they attacked Ingermanland (Ingria), then belonged to Sweden, December 30, 1701 in the battle of erastfer won in the Northern War for his first win.
While the Swedish army commanded by General Schlippenbach.And in July 1702 in the battle of Gummelsgofa Russian army defeated the second time his hordes.
As a result, the beginning of 1703 for all of Neva controlled by the Russian.
Battles in Estonia and Livonia
In general, the outcome of the Northern War had a great impact in 1703 - to its completion Russia controlled almost all the land of Ingria.In 1704 the Russian army continued its offensive.It is under the command of Boris Sheremetev in summer 1704 came to Livonia, and laid siege to Dorpat.The fortress was taken in July 1704 with the personal participation of Peter I.
After these events, the second group of the Russian army laid siege to Narva and went in Estland.Then the soldiers commanded by Ogilvy.And Peter came from Dorpat, and by the end of the summer, this fortress was taken.Agree, storming of the Bastille was great!Russian troops in this operation demonstrate their increased skill and excellent equipment of.
Polish campaign
During the Northern War, Charles XII had to make a tremendous amount of decisions.He decided to abandon the active hostilities against Russian troops.And he wanted to inflict a major blow to the army in August II.In general, the Swedish king in Poland wanted to enthrone him favorable monarch instead of August II.He decided to create from Rzeczpospolita buffer zone between the Russian and the Swedes.Next
Swedish troops in July 1701, without meeting the proper rebuff, crossed the Dvina and captured Livonia.Interestingly, the Polish campaign ended with the capture of the commander of the Swedish and the victory of the Russian army.
invasion of Russia
Results of the Northern War of interest to everyone who is not indifferent to history.But let us first consider in 1707 - all this year was the Swedish army in Saxony.During this period, Charles XII had to cover the losses and significantly strengthen the army.
