Northern War 1700-1721: major events, milestones and actors

The Northern War of 1700-1721, stretching for almost a quarter of a century, not only became the second longest in the history of the Russian state, but also replaced vectors in the international arena. Russia not only gained access to the Baltic Sea and multiplied its territories, but also became the superpower with whom the whole world should now be considered.

The foreign policy course of Peter I, the causes of the war

Despite the fact that Tsar Peter was elevated to the throne as early as the age of ten, he took full control of the reins only in 1689. By this time, as part of the Grand Embassy, the young tsar had already visited beyond Russia and felt the difference. In 1695-1696, the more experienced tsar-reformer decided to compete with the Ottoman Empire and started the Azov campaigns. Some goals were achieved, Azov fortress was captured, control over it secured the southern borders of the state, but Peter could not get a full exit to the Black Sea.

Having reformed the army and created a more modern fleet, Peter I decided to return his own lands and gain access to the Baltic Sea, thereby making Russia a maritime power. Ingria and Karelia, which were seized by Sweden in the Time of Troubles, did not give rest to the autocrat reformer. There was one more circumstance - a very "cold welcome" in Riga by a Russian delegation headed by Peter. Thus, the Northern War of 1700-1721, the main events of which turned the course of world history, was for Russia not only a political decision, but also a matter of honor.

The beginning of confrontation

In 1699 the Northern Union was concluded between Rzeczpospolita, Denmark, Saxony and the Russian kingdom. The goal of the association was the weakening of Sweden, one of the most influential powers at that time. Each of the countries pursued its own interests and had territorial claims to the Swedes. The Northern War of 1700-1721 is briefly divided into four main periods.

Period 1700-1706 years. - the first and not the most successful for Russia. In 1700 the first battle took place on Narva, in which Russian troops were defeated. Then the military initiative passed from hands to hands of opponents. In 1706, the Russians defeated the Swedish-Polish troops near Kalisz. Peter I tried with all his might to leave in the allies of Augustus II - the king of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, but the Swedish king still split the coalition. Russia remained alone with the powerful flotilla and the army of Charles XII.

The Second Stage of the Northern War

The Northern War of 1700-1721, the main events of which are connected with the confrontation of exclusively Swedish-Russian troops and flotillas, went into the next stage. 1707-1709 Can be described as the second stage of the Russo-Swedish war. It was he who became a turning point. Each of the belligerents increased their power: increased the strength of the army and weapons. Carl XII nurtured the idea of seizing some Russian territories. And in the end he dreamed of completely dismembering Russia.

The Russian tsar, in turn, dreamed of the Baltic and the expansion of its territories. Nevertheless, the international situation favored the enemy. Britain did not provide assistance to Russia and in every possible way on the international arena provided political support to Sweden. The Northern War of 1700-1721. Became exhausting for both sides, but for a moderate truce, none of the monarchs disagreed.

Approached the borders of Russia, the Swedish troops occupied the territory outside the territory, planning to move to Smolensk. In August 1708, the Swedes suffered several tactical defeats and decided to go to Ukraine, enlisting the support of Hetman Ivan Mazepa. But the overwhelming majority of Ukrainian peasants and the simple Cossacks perceived the Swedes as invaders, giving them ubiquitous resistance. In June 1709, the Poltava battle took place, which was a turning point in the war. Peter I and his commanders defeated the Swedes. Karl and Mazeppa fled to Turkey, but they refused to sign the capitulation. Thus, the Northern War of 1700-1721, the main events of which unfolded on the territory of Russia, Sweden was actually lost.

The third period of confrontation

From 1710-1718 years. The third stage of the confrontation between the countries began. Events of the Northern War of 1700-1721. This period were not less saturated. In 1710 the Northern Union resumed its existence. And Sweden, in turn, managed to draw Turkey into the war. In 1710 she declared war on Russia, thereby delaying a large army on herself and not letting Peter deal a decisive blow to the Swedes.

At most, this stage can be called a period of diplomatic wars, since the main battles were fought on the sidelines. Great Britain tried in every possible way to weaken Russia and not allow it to invade Europe. Meanwhile, Russia has established political contact with France. In 1718, a peace agreement could be signed, but the sudden death of Charles XII during the siege of the fortress in Norway led to the change of the monarch and for a while pushed the signing of peace. Thus, the Northern War of 1700-1721, briefly and conditionally divided into 4 stages, did not promise the victory of Sweden as far back as 1718, but Queen Ulrik Eleanor hoped for help from outside.

The final stage of military operations in the Northern War

The final stage of military operations - 1718-1721. - historians are characterized as a passive period. Active military operations were not conducted for three years. The entry of the Great Britain into the war on the side of Sweden gave the latter confidence in its possible victory. To prevent Russia from consolidating itself in the Baltics, the world community was ready to drag out the military conflict. But the British troops did not render real help to the supporters, and the Russian flotilla won a victory over the Ezel and Grangam islands, and several Russian troops carried out several successful campaigns. The result was the signing of the Nystadt Peace.

Results of the Northern War

The Northern War of 1700-1721, the main events of which led to the complete defeat of Sweden, became that "window to Europe", which not only brought Russia to a new international level, but also made it possible to compete on the world stage with developed European hegemons.

Tsarist Russia became an empire. Russia gained recognition in the international arena. The accession of the original Russian territories and the access to the Baltics have taken place. The result was the founding of new cities, including St. Petersburg. The naval potential of the state has significantly increased. Russia became a participant in the international market.