Description

The Great Northern War was a long series of campaigns in which Russia, linked with several other countries in temporary alliances, confronted and eventually replaced Sweden as the predominant power in Northern Europe. While contemporary with the Duke of Marlborough's pivotal campaigns against France, the Great Northern War was in fact more decisive, since it reshaped the Northern European power balance up to the eve of the Napoleonic Wars.
It began with a series of astonishing Swedish victories lead by King Charles XII, from Denmark to Poland and deep into Germany. But Peter the Great of Russia showed steadfast determination, and Charles overreached himself when he invaded Russia in 1708; the Russians adopted classic 'scorched earth' tactics until they could destroy the Swedish army at Poltava in 1709, one of the most overwhelming victories in history. Nevertheless, Sweden continued to fight, and frequently win, in Germany, Denmark and Norway, until Charles's death in battle in 1718, though the war itself did not conclude until 1721.
This study explores, in detail, the numerous armies and complex alliances engaged in the war for Northern European dominance. Containing accurate full-colour artwork and unrivalled detail, Armies of the Great Northern War offers a vivid insight into the troops which battled for control of the North.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Northern and Eastern Europe at the dawn of the 18th century. * The road to war; Russian alliances with Poland, Saxony, Denmark etc. challenge Swedish predominance. * Chronology. [Following chapters each cover organization, uniforms and weapons of the armies of: ] * Russia * Sweden * Denmark * Saxony * Prussia * Hanover * Holstein * Poland-Lithuania * Cossacks * Ottoman Turks, Moldavians, Wallachians, Tatars . * Plate commentaries.

Product details

Published Oct 31 2019
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 1st
Extent 48
ISBN 9781472833662
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Series Men-at-Arms
Short code MAA 529
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Gabriele Esposito

GABRIELE ESPOSITO is a professor of modern history…

Illustrator

Giuseppe Rava

Giuseppe Rava was born in Faenza in 1963, and took…

Resources

Book Vote

Tell us what titles you would like to see published by Osprey, then vote for your favourites in our monthly book vote!

Related Titles

Sign up for Osprey membership for access to thousands of plane profiles, maps, battle scenes and more. Plus up to 30% off website purchases