Russian Swedish war 16th century. Russo-Swedish wars

For many centuries, military disputes between Russia and a very small state, Sweden, did not subside. The apple of discord has always been the lands located in the northern and northwestern parts of our country. The first Russo-Swedish war broke out at the beginning of the 12th century, and since then, for almost seven hundred years, this fire has either died out or flared up with renewed vigor. It is interesting to follow the development of relations between these powers.

Centuries-old conflicts between the two peoples

The history of the Russian-Swedish confrontation is replete with bright and dramatic events. Here are the repeated attempts of the Swedes to seize the Gulf of Finland with the territories adjacent to it, and aggressive sorties to the Ladoga shores, and the desire to penetrate deep into the country up to Veliky Novgorod. Our ancestors did not remain in debt and paid uninvited guests with the same coin. Stories about raids carried out by one or the other side found their confirmation in many historical monuments of those years.

The campaign of the Novgorodians in 1187 against the ancient capital of the Swedes, the city of Sigtuna, and the brilliant victory won in 1240, and many other episodes, where Russian weapons served as reliable protection against the encroachments of the "arrogant neighbor", went down in history. We will fast forward to the end of the 16th century, during the reign of Boris Godunov, when another Russian-Swedish war broke out. By this time, an experienced courtier and intriguer, who came from the family of a poor landowner and in a short time reached the heights of state power, became the closest and most trusted person of the king.

An attempt to revise the results of the Livonian wars

The Russo-Swedish War of 1590-1593 was the result of unsuccessful attempts by Boris Godunov to return the lands lost by Russia during the unsuccessful Livonian War through diplomacy. It was about Narva, Ivangorod, Pit and Koporye. But Sweden not only did not agree with his demands, but also tried - under the threat of military intervention - to impose a new treaty that was contrary to Russia's interests. The Swedish king made the main bet on his son Sigismund, who had become the Polish king shortly before.

Johan III planned with his help to bring down the military power of not only his native state, but also Poland, allied with it, on the Russian state. It was impossible to avoid war in such a situation, and therefore Boris Godunov took the most energetic actions to repel aggression. It was necessary to hurry, since King Sigismund, who had recently ascended the Polish throne, did not yet have sufficient authority in the Commonwealth, but the situation could change. In the shortest possible time, Godunov formed an army of 35,000 people, led by Tsar Fyodor Ioannovich.

Victories that returned previously lost lands

Without waiting for the help of the Poles, the Swedes attacked the Russian border garrisons. In response to this, the Russian army, which was in Novgorod, moved in the direction of Yam and soon captured the city. Her further path lay to Ivangorod and Narva, where the main battles were to unfold. Siege weapons and ammunition were sent from Pskov to support the army. In parallel with this, a large detachment was sent to lay siege to Kaporye.

As a result of artillery shelling of the fortresses of Narva and Ivangorod, the Swedes requested a truce and agreed to sign an agreement to end the war. However, the negotiations dragged on and no agreement was reached. The fighting resumed, and this dispute lasted for another three years over the lands that belonged to Russia, but were so coveted by the Swedish king. Sometimes, reading the documents of those years, you are amazed at the stubbornness with which he constantly returned to this topic, which was painful for him.

The Russo-Swedish war of 1590-1593 ended with the signing of an agreement that went down in history as the Treaty of Tyavzinsky. And it was then that the extraordinary diplomatic abilities of Boris Godunov manifested themselves. Very sensibly assessing the situation and taking into account the internal political problems of Sweden, he managed to achieve the return of such cities as Ivangorod, Kaporye, Yam, Oreshek and Ladoga to Russia. In addition, several fortresses captured during the Livonian War were recognized as Russian.

Military actions in the coastal strip

After the events described, the peace between the two states was violated several more times: in 1610, by the campaign of the Swedish Field Marshal Jacob Delagardie, who occupied the Karelian and Izhora lands and captured Novgorod, as well as a three-year war that broke out in 1614 and ended with the signing of another peace treaty. We are now interested in the Russian-Swedish war of 1656-1658, one of the main goals of which was to gain access to the sea, since almost the entire coastal zone had been captured by the Swedes over the previous centuries.

Sweden during this period was unusually strong and was considered the dominant power in the Baltic. As a result of aggression, she captured Warsaw, established her control over the Principality of Lithuania and threatened to invade Denmark. In addition, the Swedish state openly called on the Poles and Lithuanians to march on Russia. Parliament even allocated the necessary funds for this. As is often the case in history, the ringing of gold had the right effect, and the future allies concluded a treaty, which, fortunately for Russia, turned out to be only a paper fiction and fell apart at the very beginning of the war.

New military expeditions

Realizing the inevitability of war, the Russians launched a preemptive strike. Starting hostilities in the summer of 1656, they drove the Swedes out of Poland in October and concluded a truce with it. That year, the main battles took place near Riga, where the Russians, led by the sovereign, tried to capture the city. For a number of reasons, this operation was not successful, Russia had to retreat.

In the military campaign of the following year, a large military formation, consisting of Novgorodians and residents of Pskov, played a significant role. Their victory, won near Gdov over the corps of the famous Swedish Field Marshal Jacob Delagardie, greatly weakened the enemy. But its main significance was that, perceived in the Russian army as a triumph, it served to raise its fighting spirit.

The Russian-Swedish war of 1656-1658 ended with the signing of a truce, beneficial and extremely necessary for Russia. It allowed her to intensify military operations against the Polish-Lithuanian troops, who, in violation of the previously established agreements, switched to open aggression. However, literally three years later, having recovered from military losses and having concluded an alliance with Poland, the Swedes forced Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich to conclude an agreement with them, depriving Russia of many lands that had been recaptured in recent times. The Russo-Swedish war of 1656-1658 left unresolved the main problem - the possession of the coast. Only Peter the Great was destined to cut through the “window to Europe”.

The war about which so much has been written

So much has been written and said about her that it is hardly possible to add something new. This war became the subject of many scientific works and inspired the creation of outstanding works of art. It lasted from 1700 to 1721 and ended with the birth of a new powerful European state - the Russian Empire with St. Petersburg as its capital. Let us recall only its main stages.

Russia entered hostilities as part of the Northern Alliance, whose members were also Saxony, Poland and the Danish-Norwegian kingdom. However, this alliance, created to resist Sweden, soon broke up, and Russia, as happened more than once in history, alone bore all the hardships of the war. Only nine years later the military coalition was restored, and the fight against the Swedes received a source of new human and material resources.

According to historians, the eighteen-year-old king of Sweden, still very young in those years, was a good commander, but a bad politician, inclined to set impossible tasks for the country and the army. His main opponent, Peter I, on the contrary, in addition to his outstanding military leadership talent, had organizational skills and was a highly gifted strategist. He always knew how to make a correct analysis of the current situation, and a number of victories were won due to the fact that the king took advantage of the mistakes of the overly arrogant Swedish king in a timely manner.

Bitter lesson near Narva and Poltava triumph

As you know, the Northern War began for Russia with the defeat near Narva in 1700, which was the reason for the widespread opinion in Europe about the incompetence of the Russians. But Peter I, having shown the true talent of a statesman, managed to learn a proper lesson from the defeat and, having rebuilt and modernized the army in the shortest possible time, began a systematic and steady movement towards a future victory.

Three years later, several strategically important victories were won, and the Neva, along its entire length, was under the control of Russia. At its mouth, at the behest of Peter, a fortress was laid, which gave rise to the future capital of the state, St. Petersburg. A year later, in 1704, Narva was stormed - the very fortress that became a bitter lesson for the Russian troops at the beginning of the war.

Since 1708, the war is completely transferred to Russia. The invasion of the troops of Charles XII begins, which was destined to end ingloriously far from St. Petersburg, among the flowering gardens of Poltava. Here a general battle took place - the Battle of Poltava. It ended with the complete defeat of the enemy and his flight. Humiliated and having lost all the fighting ardor, the Swedish king fled the battlefield along with his army. Many participants in the Russian-Swedish war of those years became holders of the highest orders. Their memory will forever remain in the history of Russia.

Russo-Swedish war of 1741-1743

Twenty years after the victorious volleys of the Northern War died down and Russia became one of the leading European states, Sweden made an attempt to regain its former territories. On June 28, 1741, the Russian ambassador in Stockholm was informed of the start of the war. From the documents stored in the archives of Sweden, it is known that in the event of a victory, the Swedes intended to make peace, of course, on the condition that they return all the lands lost during the Northern War. Simply put, the goal of the military campaign was revenge.

The Russian-Swedish war of 1741-1743 began with a major battle in Sweden near the city of Vilmanstrand. The Russian troops were commanded by Field Marshal P.P. Lassi. As a result of his competent tactical actions, he managed to completely neutralize the enemy artillery and, after a series of flank attacks, overturned the enemy. In this battle, 1250 Swedish soldiers and officers were captured, including the commander of their corps. In the same year, there were several major skirmishes with the enemy in the Vyborg region, after which a truce was concluded.

The Queen's Manifesto and the signing of the Act of Assurance

The following year, the truce was violated by the Russian side, and hostilities resumed. The well-known manifesto of Empress Elizaveta Petrovna belongs to this period, calling on the Finns to refuse to participate in the war with Russia and not to support Sweden. In addition, the manifesto promised assistance to anyone who wishes to secede from Sweden and become a citizen of an independent state.

In May of the same year, the troops of the Russian Field Marshal Lassi, having crossed the border, began a victorious march through enemy territory. It took only four months to capture the last fortified point - the Finnish city of Tavastgus. For the next year, the fighting took place almost exclusively at sea. The Russo-Swedish War of 1741-1743 ended with the signing of the so-called "Assurance Act". In accordance with it, Sweden abandoned its revanchist plans and fully recognized the results of the Northern War, enshrined in 1721 by the Treaty of Nyshlot.

New attempt at revenge

The next major armed confrontation between the two countries, which went down in history as the Russian-Swedish war of 1788-1790, was also one of Sweden's attempts to regain the lands that it had lost during previous military campaigns. This time the aggression launched by her was supported by Great Britain, Prussia and Holland. One of the reasons for their invasion was the reaction of King Gustav III to Russia's readiness to become the guarantor of the Swedish constitution, so hated by the monarch.

The next Russian-Swedish war began on June 21 with the invasion of the 38,000-strong Swedish army. However, the Russian troops, led by General-in-Chief V.P. Musin-Pushkin, not only stopped the enemy, but also forced him to leave the country. Anticipating his offensive, Gustav III sent a message to Petersburg with a number of completely unacceptable demands. But we must pay tribute to the Russian empress, who took a tough stance and responded to the claims of the king by urgently sending an army to the border. In the future, military happiness was changeable. In particular, the enemy managed to win in the area of ​​the city of Kernikoski.

Victories of Russian sailors

The fact is that in those years the dispute with Turkey for control over the Black Sea was being resolved, and most of the Russian fleet was away from Russia. The Swedish king decided to take advantage of this and made the main bet on the fleet. The Russo-Swedish war of those years went down in history primarily as a series of major naval battles.

Among them, one should especially highlight the battle that took place in the Gulf of Finland, near the island of Gogland, as a result of which Russian sailors prevented the capture of Kronstadt and a possible invasion of St. Petersburg from the sea. Also an important role was played by the victory of the Russian fleet, won in a battle near the Baltic island of Eland. The squadron of Admiral V. Ya. Chigachev defeated thirty-six enemy ships. Further, one cannot fail to recall the Rochensalm, Revel, Krasnogorsk, Vyborg and a number of other naval battles that covered the St. Andrew's flag with unfading glory.

The final point was set on 08/14/1790. The Russo-Swedish war ended with the signing of an agreement under which both sides recognized the pre-war borders. Thus, the treacherous plans of Gustav III failed, and Russia wrote a new page in the book of glorious victories of the Catherine era.

Last war between Russia and Sweden

The Russian-Swedish war of 1808-1809 completes the series of wars between the two states. It was the result of a complex political confrontation that developed in Europe after the end of the Russian-Prussian-French war in 1807. Napoleon tried in every possible way to stop the growth of the military potential of Sweden. To this end, he provoked her conflict with Russia. Great Britain, which was interested in weakening Alexander I, also contributed to the incitement of the conflict.

This war was equally unpopular with either the Swedish or the Russian public. It was believed that the French emperor would receive the main benefit. Its beginning was very unfortunate for Russia. One of the reasons for this was the actions of partisan detachments formed by the Finns. With their unexpected and covert attacks, they inflicted significant damage on Russian troops. In addition, a powerful Swedish squadron approached from the sea, forcing a large detachment under the command of Colonel Vuich to surrender.

But soon the Russian-Swedish war of 1808-1809 was marked by a cardinal turning point in the course of hostilities. Emperor Alexander I, having every reason to be dissatisfied with his commander-in-chief, Count Buxgevden, removed him from command, transferring all power to the infantry general Knorring. By signing this appointment, the emperor categorically ordered that the continuation of the war be transferred to enemy territory.

Such a tough demand had an effect, and a plan was urgently developed, according to which it was supposed to vigorously advance through the lands of Sweden and capture Stockholm. And although reality has made its own adjustments to the projects of the command, and far from everything has been implemented, nevertheless, from that moment on, a significant advantage in favor of Russia was indicated. The Swedish king was forced to ask for a temporary truce, which was soon signed.

End of the war and the accession of Finland to Russia

The Russian-Swedish war of 1808-1809 ended with the complete defeat of the enemy in the territory belonging to present-day Finland. By this time, General Barclay de Tolly was at the head of the Russian troops. This outstanding military leader was distinguished not only by his ability to accurately make decisions in difficult combat situations, but also by his great personal courage.

There were also changes in the Swedish government by that time. A new king ascended the throne, a man of little relevance to such a high rank. The Russian-Swedish war of 1809, which took place entirely on the territory of Finland and demonstrated a clear preponderance of the Russians, ended with the signing of a peace treaty in the city of Friedrichsham. In accordance with it, Russia for all eternity received all of Finland in its possession.

The results of the Russian-Swedish war of those years gave rise to many subsequent events in the life of the peoples of Russia and Finland. Over the course of more than two centuries that have passed since those times, there have been periods of friendship and spiritual closeness in their relationship, there have been stages of enmity, and even military conflicts. And today, a wide field for activity is still open for diplomats of both countries, but the beginning of the entire joint Russian-Finnish history was the Russo-Swedish war that ended in 1809, the peace treaty and the subsequent entry of Finland into Russia.

The confrontation between Russia and Sweden began in the 18th century, when Peter the Great decided to get access to the Baltic Sea for his country. This was the reason for the outbreak of the Northern War, which lasted from 1700 to 1721, which Sweden lost. The results of this conflict changed the political map of Europe. Firstly, Sweden has turned from a great and powerful maritime power dominating the Baltic Sea into a weak state. To regain positions, Sweden had to fight for decades. Secondly, the Russian Empire appeared in Europe with its capital in the city of St. Petersburg. The new capital was built by Peter the Great on the Neva, next to the Baltic. This facilitated control over the region and the sea. Thirdly, the war between the Russian Empire and Sweden continued for a long time. The peak of the struggle was the war, known in historical literature and documents as the Russian-Swedish war. It began in 1808 and ended in 1809.

The situation in Europe at the end of the XVIII century.

The revolutionary events that began in France in 1789 influenced the situation in Russia, Sweden, Germany, and England. The political and economic situation in many countries changed by leaps and bounds. In particular, the monarchy was overthrown in France, King Louis the Sixteenth was killed, a republic was proclaimed, which was quickly replaced by the rule of the Jacobins. The military took advantage of the political confusion and brought Napoleon Bonaparte to power, who created a new empire in France. Napoleon sought to conquer Europe, to subjugate not only its western regions, but also to extend his power to the Balkans, Russia, and Poland. The Russian emperor Alexander the First opposed the grandiose plans of the French emperor. He managed to stop Napoleon's army in Russia and undermine the French state. The empire created by Bonaparte began to fall apart.

So, to the main prerequisites for the Russo-Swedish war of the early 19th century. include the following factors:

• The loss of Sweden in the Northern War.
• The creation of the Russian Empire and the transition under its authority of important trade routes that were located in the Baltic Sea.
• The Great French Revolution, which was inevitable and which influenced the course of European history in the 19th and 20th centuries. Many consequences of the events in France in the late 1780s - 1790s. felt in Europe today.
• The coming to power of Napoleon, his conquests in Europe and the loss in Russia.
• The constant wars of the monarchs of Europe with the army of Napoleon, in order to protect the national borders of their states from French influence.

Campaigns of the Napoleonic army in the early 19th century. contributed to the unification of European states in an anti-French coalition. Bonaparte was opposed by Austria, England and Russia. Emperor Alexander the First was the last to think for a long time which side to prefer. This choice was due to two important factors. Firstly, the influence on the Russian emperor of the so-called German party, whose members determined the foreign policy of the ambitious Alexander the First. Secondly, the ambitious plans of the new ruler of Russia, who constantly interfered in the internal affairs of the German principalities and lands. The Germans were everywhere in the empire - in important government posts, in the army, at court, the emperor was also married to a German princess. His mother was also from a noble German family and had the title of princess. Alexander wanted to carry out constant campaigns of conquest, to win, to win battles, striving to wash away the stain of shame from the murder of his father with his achievements. Therefore, Alexander the First personally led all campaigns in Germany.

There were several coalitions against Napoleon, Sweden joined the third of them. Her king Gustav the Fourth was as ambitious as the Russian emperor. In addition, the Swedish monarch sought to get back the lands of Pomerania, taken in the 18th century. Only Gustav the Fourth did not calculate the power of his country and the military abilities of the army. The king was sure that Sweden was capable of cutting the map of Europe, changing borders and winning, as before, grandiose battles.

Relations between Russia and Sweden before the war

In January 1805, the two countries signed an agreement to create a new alliance, which is considered the third anti-Napoleonic coalition of European monarchies against revolutionary and recalcitrant France. In the same year, a campaign against Bonaparte was carried out, which ended in a serious defeat for the allied forces.

The battle took place in November 1805 near Austerlitz, the consequences of which were:

• Escape from the battlefield of the Austrian and Russian emperors.
• Huge losses among the Russian and Austrian armies.
• An attempt by Sweden to independently conduct a campaign in Pomerania, but the French quickly expelled them from there.

In such an environment, Prussia and Austria tried to save themselves, bypassing the terms of cooperation with Russia. In particular, Austria signed an agreement with France in Pressburg, which historians call separate. Prussia went to establish allied relations with Napoleon Bonaparte. So, in December 1805, Russia was left alone with France, which did everything so that Alexander the First went to the signing of a peace treaty. But the ruler of the Russian Empire was in no hurry to do this, as he defended the interests of the German dynasties and family ties.

Scientists believe that Alexander the First, in order to maintain dominance in the Baltic, control in Finland and over the Black Sea straits, the Caucasian republics, had to agree to peace with Bonaparte. Instead, he showed stubbornness and began to fight with him.

In 1806, new conditions emerged for the creation of a new coalition against Napoleon. England, Russia, Sweden, Prussia took part in it. The English monarch acted as the main financial sponsor of the coalition, the army and soldiers were provided mainly by Prussia and the Russian Empire. The union needed Sweden for balance in order to control Alexander the First. But the Swedish king was in no particular hurry to send his warriors to the European continent from the Scandinavian Peninsula.

The coalition lost again, and Bonaparte's troops captured Berlin, Warsaw, reached the Russian border, which ran along the Neman River. Alexander the First personally met with Napoleon, and signed the Treaty of Tilsit (1807). Among its conditions it is worth noting:

• Russia was not supposed to interfere in the internal affairs of Western European states, including Germany and Austria.
• Complete rupture of diplomatic relations and alliance with Austria.
• Russia's observance of strict neutrality.

At the same time, Russia got a chance to deal with Sweden, as well as Turkey. Napoleon during 1807-1808 did not allow Alexander the First to Austria, not allowing him to conclude "communicate".

After the Tilsist peace, the diplomatic and military games on the European continent did not end. Russia continued to actively interfere in all the affairs of Germany, Britain continued to attack all the ships, which they regarded as a threat to their state. So by chance the ships of Denmark were attacked, trying to avoid being drawn into the French wars and coalition alliances against Bonaparte.

In the summer of 1807, British troops landed on the territory of Denmark, and Copenhagen was bombed. The British seized the fleet, shipyards, naval arsenal, Prince Frederick refused to capitulate.

In response to England's attack on Denmark, Russia declared war on Britain over obligations and family ties. Thus began the Anglo-Russian war, which was accompanied by a blockade of trade ports, goods, and the withdrawal of diplomatic missions.

England was also blockaded by France, which did not appreciate the capture of the Danish fleet and the destruction of Copenhagen. Bonaparte demanded that Russia put pressure on Sweden and she closed the ports for all British ships. This was followed by an exchange of diplomatic letters between Napoleon and Alexander the First. The French emperor offered the Russian all of Sweden and Stockholm. This was a direct allusion to the need to start military operations against Sweden. In order to prevent the loss of this Scandinavian country, England signed an agreement with it. His goal was to maintain the position of British merchant ships and companies in Scandinavia and cut Russia off from Sweden. Among the terms of the Anglo-Swedish agreement, it is worth noting:

• Payment to the government of Sweden £1 million every month.
• War with Russia and its conduct as long as circumstances require.
• Sending British soldiers to Sweden to guard the western border of the country (important ports were located here).
• The transfer of the Swedish army to the east to fight with Russia.

In February 1808, there was no longer any possibility for both countries to avoid a military conflict. England wanted to get "dividends" as soon as possible, while Russia and Sweden wanted to resolve their longstanding disputes.

The course of hostilities in 1808-1809.

The war began in February 1808, when Russian troops invaded Sweden in the Finnish region. The surprise effect gave a serious advantage to Russia, which by mid-spring managed to capture half of Finland, Sveaborg, the islands of Gotland and Aland.

The Swedish army suffered huge losses both on land and at sea. In the port of Lisbon at the end of the summer of 1808, the Swedish fleet capitulated to the British, who received the ships for storage until the end of the war. Great assistance to Sweden was provided by England, which provided its troops and navy. Because of this, Russia's situation in Finland worsened. Further events took place in this chronological order:

• In August - September 1808, Russian troops won a number of victories in Finland. Alexander the First sought to clear the occupied territory from the Swedes and the British.
• September 1808 - a truce was signed, but the Russian emperor did not accept it, because he wanted the Swedes to leave Finland for good.
• The winter of 1809 is the winter campaign launched by the Russian Empire to isolate Sweden. The invasion took place through the Gulf of Bothnia (on ice) and along the coast of the bay. From the sea, the British could not help Sweden because of the weather. The Russian army launched an offensive through the Gulf of Bothnia to the Aland Islands, which they managed to capture, knocking out the Swedes from there. As a result, a political crisis began in Sweden.
• After the winter campaign of 1809, a coup d'etat took place in the kingdom, during which Gustav the Fourth was overthrown. The government that was formed appointed a new regent, and called for a truce. Alexander the First did not want to sign the treaty until he got Finland.
• March 1809 - the army of General Shuvalov passed along the northern coast of the Gulf of Bothnia, capturing Torneo and Kalix. Near the last settlement, the Swedes laid down their arms, and Shuvalov's troops again went on the offensive. The soldiers, under the skillful leadership of the general, won a victory, and near the city of Schelefteo, another Swedish army capitulated.
• Summer 1809 - the battle of Ratan, which is considered the last in the Russian-Swedish war. The Russians were advancing on Stockholm, trying to capture it in a short time. By that time, the ice in the bay had melted, and British ships rushed to the aid of the Swedes. Decisiveness and surprise were the main factors in the victory of Kamensky's troops, who gave the last battle to the Swedes at Ratan. They lost, losing one-third of the army.

Peace treaty of 1809 and its aftermath

Negotiations began in August and continued for several weeks with the signing of a peace agreement. The agreement was signed in the city of Friedrichsgam, now Khanin in Finland. On the part of Russia, the document was signed by Count N. Rumyantsev, who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, and D. Alopeus, who served as the Russian ambassador to Stockholm, and on the part of Sweden, Colonel A. Scheldebront and Baron K. Stedink, who was an infantry general.

The terms of the treaty were divided into three parts - military, territorial and economic. Among the military and territorial conditions of the Friedrichsham Peace, attention is drawn to such points as:

• Russia received the Alan Islands and Finland, which received the status of the Grand Duchy. It had the rights of autonomy within the Russian Empire.
• Sweden was forced to abandon the alliance with the British and take part in the Continental Blockade, aimed at weakening England and its trade in the ports of Sweden.
• Russia has withdrawn its troops from Sweden.
• There was a mutual exchange of hostages and prisoners of war.
• The border between the countries passed along the Munio and Torneo rivers, along the Munioniski-Enonteki-Kilpisjärvi line, which stretched to Norway.
• In the border waters, the islands were divided along the fairway line. To the east, the island territories belonged to Russia, and to the west - to Sweden.

The economic conditions were beneficial to both countries. Trade between the states continued, according to the previously signed agreement. Trade remained duty-free in Russian ports on the Baltic Sea, between Sweden and Finland. Other conditions in the field of economic cooperation were beneficial to the Russians. They could receive back the selected property, possessions, lands. In addition, they filed lawsuits to get their property back.

So, the situation in the economic and political spheres after the war changed the status of Finland. It became an integral part of the Russian Empire, began to integrate into its economic and economic systems. The Swedes, Finns, Russians made profitable trade operations, returned their property, possessions, strengthened their positions in Finland.

COURSE OF EVENTS

The plan for the attack on Russia was to concentrate ground forces in Finland in order to draw the Russian army away from St. Petersburg and liberate the coast; in a general battle on the sea, defeat the Russian fleet, blockade Kronstadt; trip to Saint Petersburg.

Taking advantage of the war with Turkey on June 21, 1788, a detachment of Swedish troops crossed the Russian border. The Swedes, having a milch superiority of forces, put forward demands: to punish the Russian ambassador, Count Razumovsky; cede Finland to Sweden; accept Sweden's mediation to conclude peace with Turkey; disarm the Russian fleet in the Baltic Sea.

The Swedes won the battles near Pardakoski and Kernikoski, near Valkiala (April 18–19, 1790). Russian losses: killed - 6 officers and 195 soldiers; wounded - 16 officers and 285 soldiers. Swedish losses: 41 killed and 173 wounded.

The Russian fleet in the Baltic Sea (49 ships and 25 frigates) surpassed the Swedish one (23 battleships, 11 frigates, up to 140 rowboats) in numbers, not in quality. Almost all ships fit for battle were sent to the Russian-Turkish theater of operations. In the Battle of Gogland on July 6 (17), 1788, near the island of Gogland in the Gulf of Finland, the Russians inflicted a defeat on the enemy, after which the remnants of the Swedish fleet were forced to take refuge in Sveaborg. In the Battle of Eland on July 15 (26), 1789 near the island of Eland, 36 Swedish ships were defeated by the squadron of Admiral V. Ya. Chichagov.

In the First Battle of Rochensalm on August 13 (24), 1789, the Swedes were defeated, losing 39 ships (including the admiral's, captured). Russian losses - 2 ships. The strategic result of the naval Battle of Reval on May 2 (13), 1790, in the roadstead of the port of Revel (Baltic Sea), was the collapse of the entire Swedish campaign plan - it was not possible to defeat the Russian forces in parts.

In the Krasnogorsk battle on May 23–24 (June 3–4), 1790, northwest of Krasnaya Gorka, the battle lasted two days without a clear preponderance of the parties, but, having received news of the approach of the Russian Revel squadron, the Swedes retreated and took refuge in the Vyborg Bay. The naval battle of Vyborg on June 22 (July 3), 1790 finally thwarted the Swedish plan to land and capture St. Petersburg.

The second Battle of Rochensalm on June 28 (July 9), 1790, which took place in the same place where the First brought success to the Swedes - 52 Russian ships were killed in this battle.

The Russo-Swedish War of 1788–1790 ended. the signing of the Verel peace treaty on August 3 (14), 1790 (Verel, now Värälä in Finland) on the terms of preserving the pre-war borders. In early August 1788, the Swedish troops left the territory of Russia.

THE BEGINNING OF THE WAR

In early July 1788, the 36,000-strong Swedish army, led by the king himself, crossed the Russian border in Finland. The Swedes laid siege to the small Russian fortress of Neishlot. Gustav III sent an ultimatum to the commandant of the fortress, one-armed major Kuzmin, in which he demanded to immediately open the fortress gates and let the Swedes in. To this, the major replied to the king: "I am without a hand and cannot open the gate, let his majesty work himself." We add that the garrison of Neishlot was only 230 people. However, throughout the war, the Swedes failed to open the gates of Nyshlot, they only tried to plunder the surroundings. Catherine wrote to Potemkin in this regard:

“After a two-day shooting at Neishlot, the Swedes went to rob the Neishlot district. I ask you what can be robbed there? ... He ordered his troops in Finland and the Swedes (Gustav) to say that he intends to outdo and darken Gustav Adolf and end Karl’s enterprises XII. The latter may come true, because this began the ruin of Sweden.

On July 22, 1788, the Swedish army approached the Friedrichsgam fortress and blockaded it. The condition of the fortress was deplorable, there were no stone bastions, the earthen rampart collapsed in a number of places. Artillery weapons consisted of Swedish guns captured during the war of 1741-1743. The garrison of the fortress was 2539 people. However, the Swedes stood for two days at Friedrichsgam, and then retreated.

Shirokorad A.B. Northern wars of Russia. - M., 2001. Section VI. Russo-Swedish War 1788–1790 Chapter 2. Land War in Finland http://militera.lib.ru/h/shirokorad1/6_02.html

BATTLE AT PARDAKOSKI AND KERNIKOSKI

Intelligence reported that the enemy was strongly fortified near Pardakoski and Kernikoski, and his right flank was securely covered from the front by the fast, non-freezing Kearny River. The lakes, despite the month of April, were completely covered with ice. […]

The first column, approaching the village of Pardakoski at dawn, boldly attacked the enemy battery, but the enemy met the Russians with deadly fire, and then energetically went on the offensive to the flank and rear of the Russian column. Despite their stubborn resistance, V.S. Baykov was forced to retreat to Solkis with heavy losses.

At the same time, the troops of General P.K. Sukhtelen, but, approaching the Kearny River, they stopped in front of the dismantled bridge. After the retreat of the brigadier Baikov's column, the Swedes focused all their attention on Sukhtelen, and his attack was also repulsed with heavy damage.

The battle clearly went according to an unsuccessful scenario for the Russians, and soon all our troops began to retreat to Savitaipol. “However, the Russians were not defeated in this battle, as they say, utterly: they retreated in such order that the enemy did not dare to pursue them.”

Russian losses that day were significant: about two hundred killed and more than three hundred wounded, two guns were lost. It is difficult to determine the damage suffered by the enemy, but, according to the conclusion of the Russian commanders, it was approximately equal to ours - although according to Swedish sources, only 41 killed and 173 wounded were indicated.

Nechaev S.Yu. Barclay de Tolly. M., 2011. http://bookmate.com/r#d=euZ9ra0T

The commander of the Russian rowing fleet, Admiral Prince von Nassau-Siegen, divided his forces: most, under the command of himself, were to attack from the east and consisted of 78 ships with 260 heavy guns, including 5 frigates and 22 galleys, 48 ​​semi-galleys and gunboats, etc.; he entrusted the command of another squadron of sailing ships to Admiral Cruz; it consisted mainly of heavy ships, 29 in number with 380 heavy guns: 10 frigates and shebeks, 11 semi-galleys, 6 brigs and 2 bombardment ships. With this squadron, Cruz was to attack the Swedes from the southwest and cut off their retreat; already on August 23, he passed Kirkommasari.

August 24, after 9 o'clock in the morning, Cruz, with a westerly wind, approached the distance of a cannon shot to the Swedish line, but the general fire was opened only an hour later; 380 Russians stood against 250 heavy Swedish guns. The shooting continued until 4 o'clock in the afternoon; by this time, Major General Ballet, who had taken command instead of Cruz, had to retreat under concentrated enemy fire, and lost two ships; the Swedes continued the pursuit until 8 pm.

Meanwhile, Prince von Nassau approached from the east, but only in the afternoon did he begin to clear the fairway from obstacles; on the northern tip of the island of Kutsale he landed 400 men with cannons. Ehrensverd sent two large ships there for reinforcements, but by 7 pm the Russians managed to pass the bottleneck and attack the main Swedish forces. By that time, the Swedes had fired almost all their shells and soon had to retreat in front of the overwhelming superiority of the enemy, who from 9 o'clock in the evening began a hot pursuit and continued it until 2 o'clock in the morning, to the very fortress of Svartholm, which lies 20 nautical miles to the west.

The Swedes lost 7 ships; of these, 5 were taken prisoner, 1 drowned, 1 flew into the air; in addition, 16 transports were burned. Losses in people were expressed in figures of 46 officers and 1300 lower ranks; among them were 500 patients who remained on the islands. The loss of sailing ships amounted to 35%, the loss of rowing ships - only 3%.

The Russians lost only 3 ships; personnel losses were 53 officers and 960 men; according to some reports, Russian losses were more than twice as significant; in any case, their losses in battle were much greater.

Shtenzel A. History of wars at sea. In 2 vols. M., 2002. Volume 2. Chapter XII. Swedish-Russian War 1788–1790 http://militera.lib.ru/h/stenzel/2_12.html

VEREL PEACE TREATY OF 1790

The Verel peace treaty of 1790 between Russia and Sweden, signed on August 3 (14) in Verel (Finland), summed up the results of the Russian-Swedish war of 1788–1790. According to the agreement between the two states, peaceful relations and pre-existing borders were restored. Both sides renounced territorial claims to each other and confirmed the provisions of the Nystadt peace treaty of 1721. The Swedes were allowed to buy bread annually duty-free in the ports of the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea in the amount of 50 thousand rubles. Sweden's attempts to weaken the role and influence of Russia in the Baltic in the context of her waging a serious war with Turkey ended in complete failure. The Treaty of Verel strengthened the international position of Russia, contributed to the disruption of the plan for the formation of an anti-Russian coalition by England and Prussia, confirmed the terms of the Abo peace treaty of 1743. The urgent conclusion of the Treaty of Verel was a complete surprise for England and Prussia, allies of Sweden.

Start of wars with Sweden

Wars with Novgorod

The beginning of the wars between Sweden and Russia dates back to the middle of the 13th century. At that time, the coast of the Gulf of Finland was disputed, which both Novgorodians and Swedes sought to take possession of.

A flotilla of ships with Novgorod, Izhora and Karelian warriors secretly passed through the Swedish skerries to Sigtuna.

The capital of the Swedes was taken by storm and burned.

These gates of the cathedral are the military trophy of the Novgorodians, who sailed the sea in 1187 to Sigtuna.

Several times peace treaties were concluded between the warring parties, but they were not observed for long.

In the 20s. 14th century Prince Yuri Danilovich clears the northern borders with a number of campaigns, sets up a city on the Neva on Orekhovy Island and concludes a favorable peace with the Swedish king Magnus.

In troubled times, the Swedes, under the command Delagardie, occupied Ladoga; Novgorodians summoned a Swedish prince to the throne and surrendered Novgorod to the Swedes.

By the time of the accession of Mikhail Feodorovich, Ingermanland and part of the Novgorod lands were in the hands of the Swedes.

The Northern Union also included the Danish-Norwegian kingdom, headed by King Christian V, and Russia, headed by Peter I.

In 1700, after a series of quick Swedish victories, the Northern Alliance collapsed, Denmark withdrew from the war in 1700, and Saxony in 1706.

After that, until 1709, when the Northern Union was restored, the Russian state fought with the Swedes mostly independently.

At different stages, they also took part in the war: on the side of Russia - Hanover, Holland, Prussia; on the side of Sweden - England (since 1707 - Great Britain), the Ottoman Empire, Holstein. The Ukrainian Cossacks, including the Zaporizhian Cossacks, were divided and partly supported the Swedes and Turks, but mostly the Russian troops. During the campaign, Russian troops managed in 1702 to seize Noteburg , resulting in the founding of Saint Petersburg in 1703.

In 1704, Russian troops captured Derpt and Narva.

The war put an end to the Swedish great power, and established Russia as a new power in Europe.

Russo-Swedish war under Elizabeth Petrovna

Started during the reign of the princess Anna Leopoldovna(-). The Swedish king, instigated by the French government, decided to return the provinces lost during the northern war to his rule, but, not ready for war, gave Russia time to make peace with the Ottoman Porte.

Russo-Swedish War under Empress Catherine II

The successes of the 2nd Turkish War alarmed the Versailles cabinet; England, dissatisfied with the establishment of armed neutrality, also wanted to stop the successes of Russian weapons. Both powers began to incite sovereigns neighboring Russia against Russia, but only the Swedish king Gustav III succumbed to their incitement. Counting on the fact that most of the Russian forces were diverted to the south, he hoped not to meet serious resistance in Finland. The armament of the Russian squadron, assigned to operations in the Mediterranean, served as a pretext for war. On June 21, 1788, a detachment of Swedish troops crossed the border, broke into the suburbs of Neishlot and began to bombard the fortress.

Simultaneously with the outbreak of hostilities, the king presented the following requirements to the empress:

1. punishment of our ambassador, Count Razumovsky, for his imaginary intrigues, tending to violate the peace between Russia and Sweden;

2. cession to Sweden of all parts of Finland acquired under the Nystadt and Abos treaties;

3. accepting the mediation of Sweden to conclude peace with the Porte;

4. disarmament of our fleet and the return of ships that entered the Baltic Sea.

Russian troops on the Swedish border managed to collect only about 14 thousand (part of the newly recruited); against them stood the 36,000th enemy army, under the personal leadership of the king. In spite of this disparity of forces, the Swedes were nowhere decisively successful; their detachment, besieging Neishlot, was forced to retreat, and in early August 1788 the king himself, with all his troops, withdrew from the Russian borders. On July 6, a clash between the Russian fleet and the Swedish fleet, commanded by the Duke of Südermanland, took place near Gohland; the latter was forced to take refuge in the port of Sveaborg, and lost one ship. Admiral Greig sent his cruisers towards the west, which interrupted all communication of the Swedish fleet with Karlskrona.

There were no big battles on the dry route this year, but the Russian army, reinforced to 20,000, was not limited to defensive actions alone. During the summer, she managed to occupy a fairly significant part of Swedish Finland, and in August, the Prince of Nassau-Siegen made a successful landing near Friedrichsgam.

On May 2, 1790, the Swedish fleet, under the command of the Duke of Südermanland, attacked Chichagov, who was stationed on the Reval raid, but, having lost two ships, withdrew behind the islands of Nargen and Wulf. The king himself led 155 rowboats to Friedrichsham, where part of the flotilla of the Prince of Nassau-Siegen wintered. On May 4, a naval battle took place here, and the Russians were pushed back to Vyborg. The squadron of Vice Admiral Kruse, which was going to connect with Chichagov, met on May 23, at the longitude of Seskar Island, with the fleet of the Duke of Südermanland. After a two-day battle, the Swedes were forced to lock themselves in the Vyborg Bay, where the Swedish rowing flotilla was located, and on May 26 they were surrounded by the united squadrons of Chichagov and Kruse. Stayed for about a month Vyborg bay and suffering from a lack of everything, the Swedes decided to break through the Russian fleet. On June 21 and 22, after a bloody battle, they managed to make their way to the open sea, but at the same time they lost 6 ships and 4 frigates.

The pursuit lasted two days, and the prince of Nassau-Siegen, who recklessly broke into the Svenska-sund bay, came under fire from batteries and was defeated, losing 55 ships and up to 600 people captured. This victory did not bring Sweden any benefit, especially since the Swedes did not win any success against the Russian army led by Count Saltykov on a dry path. A murmur began in Stockholm, and Gustav III finally decided to ask for peace.

On August 3, 1790, the so-called Treaty of Verel was signed, according to which both sides returned all the places occupied by the troops of one or another power in the possessions of the enemy.

Russo-Swedish War under Alexander I

Russo-Swedish war of 1808-1809 to the continental blockade of Great Britain - a system of economic and political sanctions organized by Napoleon. The Danish kingdom also intended to join the blockade. In response to this, in August 1807, Great Britain launched an attack on the capital of the kingdom of Copenhagen and captured the entire Danish navy. Gustav IV rejected these proposals and took a course towards rapprochement with England, which continued to fight Napoleon, who was hostile to him. There was a gap between Russia and Great Britain - the embassies were mutually recalled, and a low-key war began. On November 16, 1807, the Russian government again turned to the Swedish king with a proposal for assistance, but for about two months did not receive any answer. Finally, Gustav IV responded that the execution of the treaties of 1780 and 1800 could not be started while the French were occupying the harbors of the Baltic Sea. At the same time, it became known that the Swedish king was preparing to help England in the war with Denmark, trying to win back Norway from her. All these circumstances gave Emperor Alexander I a reason to conquer Finland, in order to ensure the security of the capital from the close proximity of the hostile Russian power.

Where everyone hoped for a peaceful resolution of misunderstandings: the king himself did not trust the news of the concentration of Russian troops in pursuit of Klingspor, but the general; almost at the same time, the fortified cape was occupied, Gustav IV Adolf was deposed, and royal power passed into the hands of his uncle, the Duke of Südermanland, and the aristocracy surrounding him.

When the Riksdag assembled in Stockholm proclaimed the Duke of Südermanland king Charles XIII, the new government was inclined to the proposal of General Count Wrede to push the Russians out of Esterbotnia; hostilities resumed, but the successes of the Swedes were limited only to the capture of several transports; their attempts to start a people's war against Russia failed.

After a successful case for the Russians, a truce was again concluded at Gernefors, partly due to the need for the Russians to provide themselves with food.

Since the Swedes stubbornly refused to cede the Aland Islands to Russia, Barclay allowed the new head of the northern detachment, Count Kamensky, to act at his own discretion.

The Swedes sent two detachments against the latter: one, Sandels, was supposed to attack from the front, the other, landing, landed near the village of Ratan and attacked Count Kamensky from the rear. Owing to the bold and skillful orders of the count, this enterprise ended in failure; but then, due to the almost complete depletion of military and food supplies, Kamensky retreated to Piteo, where he found a transport with bread and again moved forward to Umea. Already on the first transition, Sandels appeared to him with the authority to conclude a truce, which he could not refuse due to the insecurity of supplying his troops with everything necessary.

September 5, 1809

Thus to All of Finland went to Russia, which marked the end of centuries of wars between the Russian state and Sweden.

Scheme for the exam.

In 1808, Russian troops invaded Finland, this was the beginning of the Russian-Swedish war, which ended in 1809. As a result, Russia annexed Finland and the Aland Islands. Military plans were implemented in a short time.

In the course of history, there are 18 wars that, since the time of the Crusades, were waged by the Russian principalities, and then Russia, against Sweden. The struggle was fought for the territory of Ladoga, the Karelian Isthmus, Finland, access to the Baltic. The last was the war of 1808-1809, largely provoked by France, with which Russia had signed. However, Alexander II also had his own interest - Finland, which completely withdrew to the Russian Empire under the terms of the Friedrichsham Peace, putting an end to the centuries-old confrontation between the two states.

Background of the war

The Treaty of Tilsit in 1807 made Russia and Napoleonic France allies. Alexander I was forced to join the continental blockade of England, which Denmark was also ready to support. In response, Hyde-Parker, admiral of the English fleet, attacked Copenhagen and captured the Danish fleet.

A confrontation began between Russia and England, which in fact turned into a sluggish war. Alexander I counted on the support of Gustav IV, the Swedish king. However, he leaned towards Great Britain, because he had his own interest - Norway, which he hoped to win back from Denmark. This allowed the Russian Empire to continue its territorial claims to Sweden.

Reasons for hostilities

There are three groups of reasons:

The unwillingness of Sweden to join the economic and political sanctions of Napoleon against England, with which allied relations were built. Gustav IV refused to close his ports to the ships of the English fleet. Russia sought to get Sweden to comply with the treaties of 1790 and 1800, according to which European ships could not freely use the Baltic Sea, and to make Sweden an ally in the fight against Great Britain.

The desire of the Russian Empire to secure its northern borders by moving them away from St. Petersburg, with the aim of capturing Finland, the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland.

Pushing Russia to aggression by Napoleon, who wanted to weaken his main enemy in Europe - Great Britain. He actually sanctioned the seizure of Swedish territory by Russia.

War objectives

Reason for war

Alexander I considered insulting the return of the highest award of the state by Gustav IV. Previously, the Swedish monarch was awarded the Order of St. Andrew the First-Called, but returned it when it became known that Russia had awarded a similar award to Napoleon Bonaparte, as well as representatives of his entourage.

In addition, in February, the UK pledged to pay Sweden 1 million pounds sterling annually in the event of a military campaign against Russia, signing the corresponding agreement.

The course of hostilities

Russian troops crossed the border with Finland on February 9, but only on March 16, 1808, the war on Sweden was officially declared. . This is due to the order of Gustav IV to arrest representatives of the Russian embassy.

Commanders

The balance of power, the actual start of the war

Before the outbreak of hostilities Russian army located between Neuschlot and Friedrichsham. Scattered along the border 24 thousand people. Sweden, counting on the support of England, in every possible way delayed the moment of armed conflict. In Finland, the army of the Swedes numbered 19 thousand people and received no instructions to transfer to martial law. After the Russian troops crossed the Finnish border, she was given the task of not getting involved in hostilities, holding Sveaborg.

This allowed the Russian troops to fortify in Svartholm in March, occupy the Aland Islands and Cape Gangut. 20.03. The manifesto of the Russian emperor on the accession of Finland was issued. In April 1808, Sveaborg fell. 7.5 thousand Swedish soldiers and 110 ships were captured by the victors.

The failures of the tsarist army

The Russian army was unable to consolidate success at the first stage for a number of reasons:

In the north of Finland, the enemy had a superiority of forces, which led to the defeat at Siikajoki, Revolaks and Pulkila. Russian troops retreated to Kuopio.

The Finns launched a partisan struggle against the Russian army.

In May, the English corps arrived in Gothenburg, and only the inconsistency of actions with the monarch of Sweden did not allow him to play a decisive role in the course of the military campaign. However, thanks to the efforts of the Anglo-Swedish fleet, the Russians lost Gotland and the Aland Islands.

fracture

By the summer, Russia managed to raise an army of 34 thousand people, while V. M. Klingspor was inactive. This led to a series of victories in August - early September: at Kuortan, Salmi, Oravais. In mid-September, the Anglo-Swedish fleet attempted a landing in southern Finland in the amount of 9 thousand people, but after the defeat of one of the detachments at Gelzinga, they concluded a truce. He was not approved by Alexander I, but at the end of November, a new treaty, under which Sweden was obliged to leave Finland, was agreed.

Successes of the Russian army

Before Knorring, the emperor in 1809 set the task of transferring the theater of operations to the territory of Sweden in order to persuade Gustav IV to peace. The army crossed the ice of the Gulf of Bothnia in three columns. Capturing the Aland Islands, Umeå, Torneo and reaching Grisselgam (the vanguard of Kulnev), Russian troops caused a panic in the capital of Sweden. In March, a coup took place in the country, as a result of which GustavIVwas deposed, and his uncle (Charles XIII), who concluded a truce with Russia, ascended the throne.

Dissatisfied with the suspension of hostilities, Alexander I appointed Barclay de Tolly at the head of the army. The last clash where the Swedes suffered a crushing defeat was the battle of Ratan (August 1809).

Peace treaty

All hostilities on the part of Sweden against Russia and the allies ceased.

All of Finland up to the Torneo River passed into the possession of the Russian Empire in the status of the Grand Duchy. She was given wide autonomy.

Sweden closed the harbors for the British, joining the continental blockade.

Results and historical significance of the war

This war was the last in the confrontation between Russia and Sweden, which ceased to claim the territories lost during the Great Northern War. Its military result was the unprecedented Ice Campaign, during which, for the first time in history, the Gulf of Bothnia was overcome on ice.

Finally, the fate of Finland was decided in 1815, which confirmed the decision of the Friedrichsham Peace Treaty.

After the Diet was held in Finland, at which autonomy within Russia was proclaimed and the system of internal self-government was preserved, the Finns reacted positively to the changes. The abolition of certain taxes, the disbandment of the army and the right to manage their own budget without transferring it to the income of the empire contributed to the formation of friendly, good-neighbourly relations with the Russian Empire. During the war of 1812, the Finnish regiment from among the volunteers called up for service fought against Napoleon.

National self-consciousness grew in the country, which will play its role when the tsarist autocracy takes a course towards reducing the autonomy rights of the Grand Duchy.

Used Books:

1. Butakov Yaroslav. Finland with us and without us. [Electronic resource] / "Century" Copyright © Stoletie.RU 2004-2019 – Access mode: http://www.stoletie.ru/territoriya_istorii/finlyandiya_s_nami_i_bez_nas_2009-03-19.htm
2. Russian-Swedish wars. [Electronic resource] / Great Russian Encyclopedia. – Electron. text data. – BDT 2005-2019. – Access mode: https://bigenc.ru/military_science/text/3522658