Northern war that erupted in the XVIII century, between Sweden and Russia, has become a landmark event for the Russian state.Why did Peter 1 began the war with the Swedes and what it ended - more about this further.
Russian state under Peter 1
To understand the causes of the Great Northern War, need to know what constitutes the beginning of the conflict Russia.XVIII century - a time of dramatic changes in the economy, culture, politics and social relations.Peter the Great is known as the king-reformer.The legacy he inherited a vast country with an underdeveloped economy and obsolete army.Russian state far behind in the development of the European countries.In addition, it weakened the long wars with the Ottoman Empire waged for dominance in the Black Sea.
considering the question of why Peter 1 began the war with the Swedes, it should be understood that this was the most compelling reasons.Great Northern War was fought for access to the Baltic Sea, which was vital for Russia.Without trade relations with Western countries, it could not develop its economy.Only port at a time, through which Russian goods exported to the West, was the Archangel.The sea route through the White Sea was difficult, dangerous and irregular.In addition, 1 Peter understood the need for urgent development of its fleet in the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea.Without this, it was impossible to create a strong state.
That is why the war against the Swedes at Peter 1 was inevitable.Previous rulers of Russia saw the main enemy of the Ottoman Empire, which constantly attacked the Russian border areas.Only such a far-sighted politician, Peter the Great, realized that the country is more important to be able to trade with Europe via the Baltic Sea, and the struggle for the Black Sea coast can wait a while.
King Carl XII
the Nordic countries in this period of the rules as young and extraordinary monarch Peter 1. Charles XII was considered a military genius and his army - invincible.Country when it was considered the strongest in the Baltic region.By the way, his name is Carl in Russia, and in Sweden the king was known as Charles XII.
Edit it became like Peter, at a young age.He was 15 years old when his father died, and was succeeded by Carl throne.Having a temper, the king would not tolerate any advice and decided all by himself.At age 18, he made his first military expedition.Announcing the court that he was leaving on the fun in one of his castles, in fact, the young ruler of a small army went by sea to Denmark.Rapid march once the walls of Copenhagen, Denmark Karl forced to withdraw from the union with Russia, Poland and Saxony.Almost 18 years after that the king held out of his native country, participating in various military campaigns.Their goal was to make Sweden the strongest country in Northern Europe.
and Swedes Peter 1: causes of military conflict
Russia and Sweden were opposed to long before the birth of the king-reformer.Baltic coast, which had no small geopolitical importance, has always been of great interest to many countries.Poland, Sweden and Russia for many centuries trying to increase its influence in the Baltic region.Starting from the XII century, the Swedes have repeatedly attacked the north of Russia, trying to capture the Ladoga, the Gulf of Finland and Karelia.By the beginning of the XVIII century, the Baltic countries were completely subordinate to Sweden.August II, King of Poland and Elector of Saxony, Frederick IV, ruler of Denmark and Peter the Great, formed a coalition against Sweden.Their hopes of winning based on the young Charles XII.Russia in case of victory received the long-awaited access to the Baltic coast and the opportunity to have a fleet.This was the main reason why Peter 1 started a war against the Swedes.As for the other participants in an alliance against Sweden, they sought to weaken the enemy's northern and strengthen its presence in the Baltic region.
1 Peter the Great: The Northern War with Sweden proved the leadership talent of the Russian tsar
union between the three countries (Russia, Denmark and Poland) was signed in 1699.The first came against Sweden in August II.In 1700, the siege of Riga.In the same year the Danish army started invasion of Holstein, which was an ally of Sweden.Then Charles XII made a daring march to Denmark and forced her to withdraw from the war.Then he sent troops to Riga, and the Polish king, not daring to join the battle, withdrew his troops.
Later, all the war with Sweden joined Russia.Why did Peter 1 began the war with the Swedes than simultaneously with the allies?The fact that the Russian state is at war with the Ottoman Empire, and to participate in two military conflicts of the country could not.
The very next day after the conclusion of a peace treaty with Turkey, Russia went to war with Sweden.Peter 1 began a campaign to Narva, near the Swedish fortress.The battle was lost, despite the fact that the troops of Charles XII is much inferior to the number of poorly trained and poorly armed Russian army.
Narva defeat led to a rapid transformation of the armed forces of Russia.During the year, Peter the Great was able to completely transform the army equipped with new weapons and artillery.Since 1701 Russia begins to gain victories over the Swedes: Battle of Poltava, Gangut sea battles.In 1721, Sweden signed a peace treaty with Russia.
Results Northern War
After signing Treaty of Nystad Russia has firmly established itself in the Baltic region and Courland.
