“The Battle of Poltava is the largest battle of the Northern War between Russian troops under the command of Peter I and the Swedish army of Charles XII. Took place on the morning of June 27 (July 8), 1709.”
Everyone knows the poem by A.S. Pushkin from school. "Poltava", written by him in 1828. In the poem, Pushkin refers to the glorious pages of the history of our homeland. He boldly and broadly depicts the Battle of Poltava, on the outcome of which the existence of Russia as an independent state depended. When working on the poem, Pushkin turned to historical sources, as well as Moldavian legends, Ukrainian folk songs and thoughts.
Why write an article about something that has long been known? As part of my version, I had serious doubts about the date of the Battle of Poltava.
“Poltava is a city in Ukraine, the administrative center of the Poltava region and Poltava district (not included in the district). Located in the northeastern part of the country, on the Dnieper lowland. Located on the Vorskla River."
Let's find out what battles there were in this area.
“The Battle of Vorskla on August 12, 1399 is a battle between the united army of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and its Russian, Polish and German allies under the command of Prince Vytautas on the one hand, and the troops of the Golden Horde under the command of Khan Timur-Kutlug and Emir Edigei on the other. One of the largest battles of the 14th century in Eastern Europe. It ended with the complete defeat of the Lithuanian army. The famous Battle of Poltava took place in the same places in 1709.”
1709 -1399 = 310 = 67 x 4 = 268 + 42 (43 + 24 = 67)
The Battle of Worksla is a reflection of the Battle of Poltava.
Other images.
Chigirin campaigns of 1674-1678 - campaigns of the Russian army and Zaporozhye Cossacks during the Russian-Turkish war of 1672-1681 to the city of Chigirin.
Chigirin is a city located on the Tyasmin River, 63 km from Cherkassy. Chigirin is located on the right bank of the Dnieper, and Poltava on the left. The path to Chigirin passed through Poltava, then a ford near the town of Perevolochna (80 km from Poltava) across the Dnieper River, and then along the right bank to Chigirin (100 km).
Opinion about Perevolochna.
"From Russia's point of view
It went down in Russian history as the place where a large detachment of Swedes were captured, retreating after the defeat inflicted by the army of Peter the Great at Poltava in 1709.
On June 30, 1709, Swedish troops, defeated near Poltava, were overtaken at Perevolochna by a Russian detachment sent to pursue them under the command of Menshikov. Although this detachment (about 9 thousand) was much weaker than the Swedes (in whose ranks there were still up to 15 thousand people), the moral strength of the latter was broken, and there was no one to restore them, since Charles XII, with several hundred soldiers, managed to cross the Dnieper , fled to Turkey. At Menshikov’s suggestion, the Swedes entered into negotiations and concluded a capitulation, according to which their entire army (5 thousand infantry, 9 thousand cavalry, 28 guns) surrendered and was given weapons and military supplies.”
“From the point of view of Ukraine
Perevolochna entered the history of Ukraine in connection with the participation of Hetman Mazepa in the fight against the Russian Tsar Peter I during the Battle of Poltava.
In April 1709, during the punitive campaign of Russian troops against the Zaporozhye Sich, Perevolochna was captured and destroyed to the ground. The Cossack garrison was destroyed, the entire population was slaughtered.
The Russians burst into the town, beat a thousand people on the spot, burned several people in barns and huts... The frenzy among the Russians was so great that they beat women, children and old people, burned all the mills on the rivers, all the buildings in the town, all the ships, standing at the Perevolochanskaya crossing.”
I adhere to the Ukrainian point of view with the only difference that by Russian here we mean foreign invaders who destroyed the Russian inhabitants of Perevolochna.
The village of Perevolochnoe was flooded with water during the formation of the Dneprodzerzhinsky reservoir in 1961, and the population was resettled to the village of Svetlogorsk.
(The name of the village comes from the name Svetlaya Gora, since the village is located on a high mountain near a reservoir).
Time shift 1709 -1674 = 35 years
Let's move the battle to real time 1709 + 67 + 35 = 1811.
In connection with what event could there have been a battle there? War of 1812, the Russian army returns from Moldova.
In Moldova, the Danube Army of Admiral Chichagov (the surname is similar to Chigirin) (55 thousand, 202 guns) stood against Turkey. On May 22, 1812, the commander-in-chief of the Moldavian army, Kutuzov, ended the five-year war for Moldova and made peace with Turkey. In the south of Russia, the Danube Army of Admiral Chichagov was released as a barrier against Austria, which was forced to be in an alliance with Napoleon.
“At the beginning of 1812, Chichagov was entrusted with the command of the Moldavian army, with which he set out at the end of July to join the 3rd Western Army. He took part in the battles near Borisov, on the Berezina and in the pursuit of the retreating French.”
Judging by the landmarks, the route of the army from Moldova: Kyiv - Chernigov - Gomel - Borisov.
But the same route is from Poltava. Considering that the Turks were subjects of the Russian Empire, and Russia could not have fought with them in 1812, the conclusion is clear:
Frederick's army attacked the metropolis from at least two directions: central and southern. In the Poltava region, Russian troops defeated Frederick's troops, which included the Swedes. The mass graves, which are located on the territory of the Poltava region and are considered to be from 1709, are actually burials from 1812.
The Russian troops that won at Poltava were subsequently destroyed by combined European troops. The Russian Empire fell under the yoke of invaders, who urgently learned the Russian language and created Russian genealogies for themselves, and presented their own great defeats as great victories.
Miracles, and that's all. It’s not for nothing that they say that if you really want to, you can turn a defeat into a victory.
On June 27, 1709, the Battle of Poltava took place, which became the most important battle of the Northern War. In the spring of that time, Poltava was under the yoke of Charles 12. The strategic importance of this city was undoubtedly special, since there was a road to Kharkov, and then Moscow. The Swedes, knowing this, made every effort to conquer Poltava.
In addition, the army could replenish its food supplies in Poltava, which is also important for all soldiers. Such a tasty morsel attracted more and more attention, however, the command of Menshikov and Kelin successfully coped with repelling the attacks of the enemy armies. This state of affairs allowed Peter 1 to prepare well for the big battle.
Despite the fact that Great Peter appointed the Battle of Poltava for June 16, Charles decided to be the first to start the battle, using the effect of surprise. Early in the morning the Swedes successfully overcame the longitudinal line of fortifications. The Swedish troops expected to cover the remaining distance to their cherished goal quickly, but when they came across powerful artillery fire, they were forced to retreat and hide in the forest.
Menshikov particularly distinguished himself in this battle, leading an attack on Ross's soldiers, forcing them to flee. Menshikov's cavalry did not pursue the Swedes for long, returning to the camp to redistribute the army. Thus, the surprise attack of Charles’s soldiers did not bring any results.
At about 9 am on the same day, the troops of both opponents began to approach each other. At the beginning of the battle, the Russian infantry suffered some losses and retreated under the advance of the Swedes, but the assistance of the Novgorod battalion quickly corrected the situation. The command of Peter the Great himself was on the highest level, and his Novgorod battalion was proof of this.
Closer to noon, Charles’s troops begin to retreat to the Budyshchansky forest, and then even further, to the village. The siege of the city itself also ended when the main part of the army retreated under Russian pressure. Having suffered complete defeat, the Swedes decided to retreat to the Dnieper, where a crossing had been prepared in advance. But the Russian army does not want a partial victory and continues to attack the enemy.
The approaches to the life-saving crossing are completely blocked by the Russians, and the Swedes have absolutely nowhere to run, they are trapped. The only salvation for Charles’s soldiers was the Ottoman Empire, which the King of Sweden and the Hetman took advantage of; they fled to the territory of Bendery, abandoning their army.
The Battle of Poltava, for the majority of Swedish soldiers, ended in captivity, while the rest of the soldiers died. Peter 1 won a complete and unconditional victory in this battle. The fame of this battle has been thundering for many centuries, showing the enormous strength and power of the Russians. Russian losses in this battle amounted to about 1,300 people killed and 3,190 wounded, while the Swedes lost much more, about 10,000 people killed and about 20,000 wounded.
The famous Battle of Poltava showed how important competent military leadership, correct strategy and fortitude are, they allowed the Russians to win such a great victory. Peter the Great played a major role in this battle, and commanders such as Menshikov and Kelin allowed the Russian army to make full use of its resources and skills. Of course, Russian strength and spirit are an incomparable advantage of this people; no nation in the world can compare in this with people of Russian origin.
The Battle of Poltava is the largest general battle of the Northern War between Russian troops under the command of Peter 1 and the Swedish army of Charles 12.
It is in this regard that July 10 is the Day of Military Glory of Russia - the Day of the victory of the Russian army under the command of Peter the Great over the Swedes in the Battle of Poltava.
Date of the Battle of Poltava
The battle took place on the morning of June 27 (July 8), 1709, 6 versts from the city of Poltava (Russian Kingdom).
Peter I in the Battle of Poltava
The Russian victory over the Swedes was a turning point in the war and ultimately led to the loss of dominance in Europe.
In this article we will look at a short history Battle of Poltava and highlight its main points. Fans will find it interesting.
Causes of the Battle of Poltava
During the Northern War, Sweden, led by the monarch-commander Charles 12, won many victories over its opponents. By the middle of 1708, it had proven its superiority over the armies of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and Saxony.
Everyone understood that in the near future a decisive battle was to take place between Sweden and Sweden, which would put an end to the military conflict.
Battle of Poltava briefly
The Swedish king, inspired by victories, planned to end the war before the end of 1708. He set out on a campaign against Russia, trying to conquer its territories.
The Russian Emperor Peter I understood perfectly well that if the Swedes penetrated deep into the state, they were unlikely to be defeated. For this reason, it is worth paying attention to 2 important features Battle of Poltava:
- On September 28, 1708, a battle took place near the village of Lesnoy, in which the Russian army won. And although this victory did not mean anything yet, the Swedes then suffered serious losses. They lost most of their food and ammunition. At the same time, they could not make up for their losses due to the blocking of roads by the Russians.
- In October 1708, Hetman Mazepa turned to Charles 12, who, together with the Zaporozhye Cossacks, went over to the side of the Swedes. It was beneficial for the king to have such an ally, since the Cossacks could help him replenish food losses and act with him in the war against Russia.
The essence of the Battle of Poltava
The army of Charles 12 approached Poltava and began to besiege it in March 1709. Russian troops did everything possible to prevent the Swedes from taking the fortress.
At the same time, the Poltava garrison consisted of only 2,200 soldiers. Nevertheless, the soldiers managed to heroically hold back dozens of enemy attacks and kill about 6,000 Swedes.
The Poltava detachment understood that additional regiments led by Peter 1 would soon come to their aid. It is worth noting that the emperor tried to find allies, because he understood the full power of the Swedish army.
Peter the Great offered the Crimean Khan and the Turkish Sultan to unite with him, but they refused to support him. As a result, a single Russian army was assembled, which was joined by part of the Zaporozhye Cossacks under the command of Hetman Skoropadsky. It was in this composition that the army went to Poltava to the besieged fortress.
The forces of the parties on the eve of the Battle of Poltava
The forces of both sides before the Battle of Poltava looked like this:
Army of Charles 12:
- number of soldiers - 37 thousand people;
- guns - 41 units;
- generals - 5 people.
Army of Peter 1:
- number of soldiers - 60 thousand people;
- guns - 102 units;
- generals - 8 people.
However, the Swedish command was not embarrassed by the numerical superiority of the Russians: it emphasized a swift attack by a selected military expeditionary force, which was supposed to overthrow the enemy army and put it to flight.
In addition, the difference in infantry could be compensated by the qualitative advantage of the Swedes in cavalry.
Progress of the Battle of Poltava
On the eve of the battle, Peter I toured all the regiments. His short patriotic appeals to soldiers and officers formed the basis of the famous order, which demanded that the soldiers fight not for Peter, but for "Russia and Russian piety...".
In turn, inspiring the soldiers, Charles 12 announced that tomorrow they would dine in the Russian convoy, where great booty awaited them.
On the night of June 26 at 23:00, Charles 12 ordered to immediately put his entire army on alert. However, due to the disunity of the army, the soldiers were able to cooperate only after 3 hours.
Thus, the Swedish commander was unable to carry out a lightning attack on the enemy camp. This is how the Battle of Poltava began for Karl, which we will now consider in more detail.
Events of the Battle of Poltava
The first obstacle for the Swedes in the Battle of Poltava was the Russian redoubts. The first 2 fortifications were taken almost immediately, but the Swedes were unable to capture the remaining redoubts.
The reason for this was the Russian cavalry, led by Alexander Menshikov, who came to the aid of the infantry.
Despite the obvious successes, Peter 1 ordered the troops to retreat back and take the main positions. The redoubts completed their task - they exhausted the Swedes even before the main battle began, while the Russian troops remained physically fresh.
In addition, about 3,000 Swedes were killed on the battlefield.
In fact, the commanders of Charles 12 did not think of attacking the fortifications, since they hoped to simply bypass them.
In reality, this turned out to be an impossible task, as a result of which the Swedes were forced to attack the redoubts without having suitable military equipment and a tactical plan.
Battle of Poltava
Having overcome the redoubts with heavy losses, the Swedes waited for reinforcements from the cavalry. However, the cavalry commander Roos was already captured by the Russians.
In this regard, Charles's army lined up, as the monarch considered such a formation to be the most effective. But, as time will tell, this will not help him gain an advantage in the Battle of Poltava.
At 9:00 the Swedes began to attack the fortifications of the Russian troops. Peter the Great's artillery immediately began to fire at them, as a result of which the Swedes suffered serious human and combat losses. They couldn't create an attack line.
Soon, Charles’s army was fragmented, which is why the Swedes began to flee the battlefield in panic. The Russian army only needed 2 hours to win a brilliant victory in the Battle of Poltava.
Losses of the parties in the Battle of Poltava
According to official estimates, the total Russian losses were 1,345 killed and 3,290 wounded. The Swedes' losses were horrific:
- all the generals were killed and captured;
- killed soldiers - 9 thousand;
- captured soldiers - 17 thousand.
Pursuit of the enemy
After 11:00, the Battle of Poltava was more reminiscent not of a battle of two armies, but of one fleeing from the other. Russian troops began to pursue the Swedes and take them prisoner. An interesting fact is that the persecution continued for 3 days.
The significance of the Battle of Poltava
As a result of the Battle of Poltava, the army of King Charles 12 was so drained of blood that it could no longer conduct active offensive operations. The military power of Sweden was undermined, and in the Northern War there was a turning point in favor of Russia.
Captured Swedish generals give their swords to Peter the Great after the battle of Poltava A military alliance between Saxony and Russia was concluded again. The Danish king also again opposed Sweden, and now, thanks to the acquired authority, it did not cost Russia either monetary subsidies or sending a military contingent.
The advantage of the Russians in the Battle of Poltava was so obvious that European monarchs were forced to admit it and get used to the new reality. Indeed, it seems incredible, but the Battle of Poltava ended just 2 hours after it began. For example, the great thing went on for a whole day.
Results of the Battle of Poltava
The unconditional victory of the Russian troops led to the fact that the Swedish infantry ceased to exist along with military equipment. However, it is fair to note that the victory in the Battle of Poltava did not end the war.
Some historians believe that the reason for this was the overly emotional reaction of the Russian emperor. Peter 1 ordered to pursue the Swedes only at night, that is, 10-12 hours after the end of the battle.
During this period, the enemy managed to retreat inland, and Charles 12 himself, leaving his army, went to Persian to persuade the Sultan to go to war against Russia.
Sampsonievskaya Church on the field of the Battle of Poltava was built in honor of the great victory Be that as it may, the Russian victory over the Swedes in the Battle of Poltava was of great historical significance. They sang it in their immortal creations not only
On July 8 (June 27, old style), 1709, the general battle of the Northern War of 1700-1721 took place - the Battle of Poltava. The Russian army under the command of Peter I defeated the Swedish army of Charles XII. The Battle of Poltava led to a turning point in the Northern War in favor of Russia.
In honor of this victory, the Day of Military Glory of Russia was established, which is celebrated on July 10. The federal law “On days of military glory and memorable dates of Russia” was adopted in 1995. It states that July 10 is the Victory Day of the Russian army under the command of Peter the Great over the Swedes in the Battle of Poltava (1709).
After the defeat of the Russian army, Peter I in 1700-1702 carried out a grandiose military reform— actually re-created the army and the Baltic Fleet. In the spring of 1703, at the mouth of the Neva, Peter I founded the city and fortress of St. Petersburg, and later the maritime citadel of Kronstadt. In the summer of 1704, the Russians captured Dorpat (Tartu) and Narva and thus gained a foothold on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. At that time, Peter I was ready to conclude a peace treaty with Sweden. But Charles XII decided to continue the war until complete victory, in order to completely cut off Russia from sea trade routes.
In the spring of 1709, after an unsuccessful winter campaign in Ukraine, the army of the Swedish king Charles XII besieged Poltava, where it was planned to replenish supplies and then continue in the direction of Kharkov, Belgorod and further to Moscow. In April-June 1709, the garrison of Poltava, consisting of 4.2 thousand soldiers and 2.6 thousand armed citizens, led by commandant Colonel Alexei Kelin, supported by the cavalry of General Alexander Menshikov and Ukrainian Cossacks who came to the rescue, successfully repulsed several enemy assaults. The heroic defense of Poltava pinned down the forces of Charles XII. Thanks to her, the Russian army was able to concentrate in the area of the fortress at the end of May 1709 and prepare for battle with the enemy.
At the end of May, the main forces of the Russian army under the command of Peter I approached the Poltava region. At the military council on June 27 (June 16, old style), it was decided to give a general battle. By July 6 (June 25, old style), the Russian army, numbering 42 thousand people and having 72 guns, was located in a fortified camp it had created 5 kilometers north of Poltava.
The field in front of the camp, about 2.5 kilometers wide, covered on the flanks by dense forest and thickets, was fortified with a system of field engineering structures of six frontal and four quadrangular redoubts perpendicular to them. The redoubts were located at a distance of a rifle shot from each other, which ensured tactical interaction between them. Two battalions of soldiers and grenadiers were stationed in the redoubts, and behind the redoubts were 17 cavalry regiments under the command of Alexander Menshikov. Peter I's plan was to wear down the enemy at the front line (the line of redoubts), and then defeat him in an open field battle.
On the night of July 8 (June 27, old style), the Swedish army under the command of Field Marshal Karl Rehnskild (Carl XII was wounded on reconnaissance) numbering about 20 thousand soldiers and with four guns - four columns of infantry and six columns of cavalry - moved to Russian positions. The remaining troops - up to 10 thousand soldiers - were in reserve and guarding Swedish communications.
A powerful patriotic mood was aroused in the Russian soldiers by the words of Peter addressed to them before the start of the battle: “Warriors! The hour has come that must decide the fate of the Fatherland. You should not think that you are fighting for Peter, but for the state entrusted to Peter, for your family, for "Fatherland, for our Orthodox Faith and Church.... Have in battle before you the Truth and God, your protector. And about Peter, know that life is not dear to him. If only Russia would live in glory and prosperity for your well-being."
At 3 a.m. on July 8 (June 27, old style), the Russian and Swedish cavalry began a stubborn battle at the redoubts. By 5 o'clock in the morning, the Swedish cavalry was overturned, but the infantry that followed them captured the first two Russian redoubts. At six o'clock in the morning, the Swedes, advancing behind the retreating Russian cavalry, came under cross rifle and cannon fire with their right flank from the Russian fortified camp, suffered heavy losses and retreated to the forest in panic. At the same time, the right-flank Swedish columns, cut off from their main forces during the battles for the redoubts, retreated into the forest north of Poltava, where they were defeated by Menshikov’s cavalry following them and surrendered.
At about 6 o'clock, Peter I led the army out of the camp and built it in two lines, where he placed the infantry in the center and the cavalry of Menshikov and Bour on the flanks. A reserve (nine battalions) was left in the camp. The main forces of the Swedes lined up opposite the Russian troops. At 9 o'clock in the morning hand-to-hand combat began. At this time, the cavalry of the Russian army began to cover the enemy's flanks. The Swedes began a retreat, which by 11 o'clock turned into a disorderly flight. The Russian cavalry pursued them to the river bank, where the remnants of the Swedish army surrendered.
The Battle of Poltava ended in a convincing victory for the Russian army. The enemy lost over 9 thousand killed and 19 thousand captured. Russian losses were 1,345 killed and 3,290 wounded. Karl himself was wounded and fled to Turkey with a small detachment. The military power of the Swedes was undermined, the glory of the invincibility of Charles XII was dispelled.
The Poltava victory determined the outcome of the Northern War. The Russian army showed excellent combat training and heroism, and Peter I and his military leaders showed outstanding military leadership abilities. The Russians were the first in the military science of the era to use field earthen fortifications, as well as fast-moving horse artillery. In 1721, the Northern War ended with the complete victory of Peter I. The ancient Russian lands went to Russia, and it firmly established itself on the shores of the Baltic Sea.
The material was prepared based on information from RIA Novosti and open sources
During the Northern War, the battle of Poltava is considered the largest. The Swedish army was strong and powerful, but after the fighting in Poland, rest was needed. made every effort to ensure that the Swedes did not get this rest.
On the way of the Swedish king Charles XII to Ukraine, all food and military supplies were destroyed. The peasants hid their livestock and food in the forest. In November 1708, the exhausted Swedish army reached Poltava, where it settled into winter quarters.
Hetman Mazepa promised help and supplies to Charles XII, but did not fulfill his promise. And the Swedish king began to think about how to lure the Russians into battle in the open field. This victory is so important for him, the prestige of the army and himself will rise.
During the long winter evenings, Charles XII decided on his further actions and decided to capture Poltava. They have 4 thousand soldiers, and 2.5 thousand inhabitants who can fight, and the Swedish army of 30 thousand people will quickly defeat the city. And then on April 25, 1709, the Swedes approached the walls of Poltava. The siege of the city began.
The enemy attacked powerfully, but the city did not surrender. For two months, the Poltava people resisted the best army in Europe, thanks to a well-built defense. And the garrison was commanded by Colonel Kelin. The Swedish king was very annoyed, but he had no idea that all this time the Russians were preparing for a general battle. To the very battle he dreamed of.
Opposite Poltava, on the banks of the Vorskla, the Russian army was stationed. Peter I arrived there in June and led his army up the river. Near the village of Chernyakhovo they crossed to the other side of the river, going to the rear of the Swedes. So by the end of June the Russians were five kilometers from Poltava. The Russian army stopped at the village of Yakovtsy. This is where Peter I decided to give battle to the Swedes.
A plain stretched between the Yakovetsky and Budishchinsky forests. The opponents could only advance to the left of the camp through the copse. The emperor ordered this place to be blocked off with eight redoubts. The cavalry was located behind the redoubts - 17 dragoon regiments. They were commanded by Alexander Menshikov. Artillery was deployed in front of the infantry. And the Ukrainians also helped: Cossack regiments, under the command of Hetman Ivan Skoropadsky, blocked the Swedes’ path to Poland and Right-Bank Ukraine. The Swedish army did not expect the Russians in its rear, and was forced to line up in front of a copse three kilometers from the Russian redoubts.
On June 27, at dawn, the Swedish army launched an offensive. This is how the Battle of Poltava began. Making their way through a barrage of bullets and cannonballs, the Swedes somehow overcame two rows of redoubts in hand-to-hand combat. At the same time, they suffered heavy losses. The correct tactics of Peter I did not allow the enemy to penetrate the Russian rear. The Swedes, under a heavy hail of Russian artillery, were forced to retreat into the Budishchi forest. The field was empty for a while, Peter moved his main forces forward. And here it is, the final battle.
The Swedes go on the offensive again, the Russians open fire. Again hand-to-hand combat, again losses... Peter led a battalion of the Novgorod regiment into battle, crushed the Swedes with a strong blow, and Menshikov’s cavalry began the battle on the left. The enemy could not withstand the onslaught, wavered and began to retreat. The Battle of Poltava was over by eleven o'clock. 15,000 people were captured, but the king, Mazepa and a thousand soldiers managed to escape across the Dnieper to Bendery.
It was a complete defeat of the once powerful Swedish army, 9234 people were killed, almost all the generals were captured. The Russian army lost much less - 1345 people were killed, 3290 were wounded. Peter I awarded all participants in the battle with orders and medals. The victory in the Battle of Poltava decided the outcome towards Russia.