THE INFAMOUS RUSSIAN BATTLE IN THE GREAT NORTHERN WARAND RUSSIABy: Anthony Sica

When Was It?The Great Northern War took place over a long period of time while tsar by Tsar succeeded the throne, but at the time of this great battle Peter the Great was in rule and it took place on June 27, 1709. It was a time when Russia began its climb to becoming a world power. Peter had rebuilt his army, basing it primarily on infantry trained to use linear tactics and modern firearms properly; including a powerful navy.

Why the War? Sweden felt a constant threat from

Russia now more then ever because of the beginning of the expansion and the tsar era of Russia. As Russia’s land grew larger and larger Sweden was under constant threat of losing their control over the Baltic Reason. Thus Sweden declared war for land.

In the war Charles planned to invade Moscow against his advisors wishes. To do this he planned to cross the Vorskla River. So he invaded the city of Poltava. A band of 6,900 Russian soldiers bravely withstood the attack while waiting for Peter the Great and his reinforcement’s to arrive and strike back against Sweden

Why the Battle?

What Battle?The Battle of Poltava was the turning point of the war it basically lead to the Russian victory over Sweden it took place near the rivers of Vorskla. After Charles XII led the Swedish victories at Copenhagen and at the Battle of Narva Sweden almost had Russia pinned. However, after the persistent Peter restored the integrity and strength of the Russian army this was the battle that determined Russia’s power. The Russians faced an already weak army due to starvation, frostbite, and the Russian’s destruction of their supplies. The field marshals of the Sweden Army Carl Gustav Rehnskiöld and General Adam Ludwig Lewenhaupt faced against the massive Russian army. The reason Charles did not lead was he suffered from an injury in a previous siege.

The Statistics Of the Battle and Aftermath

At the beginning of the battle the Russians at a number of 45,000 soldiers determined to liberate the captured city of Poltava while Sweden had a miniscule number of 15,000 starved and suffering soldiers. At 3:25 A.M the Sweden’s faced boldly towards their emanate doom and charged and the battle commenced. Swedish death toll numbered 6,900 dead and wounded, and 2,800 became prisoners of war. Among those captured was Field Marshal Rehnskiöld. Russian losses were 1,350 killed and 3,300 wounded. Finally, Charles was sent to exile for five days until he was able to return. This battle lead to the victory of Russian in the war and the beginning of a large climb to becoming a powerful nation and the biggest in the world today.

Work Cited1.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Poltava2.)http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/battleswars16011800/p/poltava.htm3.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Northern_War

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