Peter's Poltava blues

So the battle of Poltava was a battle in 1709. The two combatants were the Empire of Sweden vs. The Tsardom of Russia. During this time in history Sweden was a force to be reckoned with. it was a big player in Europe and had a legendary line of invincible kings leading invincible armies. Charles XII (King of Sweden at the time) could not lead the armies because he had been injured by a Musket-ball that struck his ankle and foot. The Swedes were out numbered 14000- 45000 under Peter I. Charles had won such battles before but could not bring his expertise to bare on the Russian forces. Had the fateful musket ball missed, had Charles gone one to win the battle, could we see a much different Europe than the one today?
 
No, if you want to have a victoriuos Sweden, Charles had to retreat to his supply train and reinforcements as urgently requested by is commanders due to the incredably low supplies and numerous sick soldiers. In other words the batlle of Poltava had never been fought.

According to variuos accounts the Swedish soldiers were marching to the enemy with only bullets and gunpowder for two to three shots, some accounts claim that some soldiers had no bullets or gunpowder at all.
 
The Swedish infantry was trained to fire two salvoes and then charge with the bayonet - so them only having ammo for two or a few salvoes is not very strange.

It was the most offensive army in Europe at the time, experienced and very well-trained. No army (Danish, Russian, Polish, Saxonian) had been able to stand the salvoes and charge of the Swedish infantry (one salvo at 20 meters, one at 10 and then charge with bayonets) so far.

Part of the Swedish army actually entered the Russian camp and started rolling the Russian forces up, which was causing panic in the Russian ranks, but they were ordered to come and join the fight at the redoubts. If they had been allowed to continue to roll up the Russian forces, a Swedish victory is possible. Also note due to the battlefield and the swollen river that bordered the Russian camp on three sides, there were really no way to go for the Russians. If they lose, the army is lost.

If the Swedes win, I am not sure August can return to the throne of Poland. I am guessing that the Swedes can dictate peace on their terms - all Russian gains in the Baltic countries are reversed, the few ships constructed of the Russian navy turned over to Sweden, Pskov or Novogorod to Sweden as ransom for a hefty war indemnities treaty.
 
If you really want to screw up Russia's chance, then have the Tsar fall in the battle. It could create enough chaos to allow the Swedes to win that battle. After that-- in the AHN Universe, King Charles XII became Tsar Charles I, seizing the Russian crown, which lead to Swedish rule of Russia, and the eventual assimilation of one into the other. Russia has a bit of Swedish influence, but Sweden ended up with more Russian influence. I had things like the Swedish Orthodox Church rise out of that.
 
Von Adler,
I do not doubt the qualities of the Swedish army at that time, and certanly not the agrasive tacktical skills of Charles XII. Probably one of the best comanders of that time, even he is never that wel know as the more (over rated?) Mallborough.
But what I read, most historians agree that his army was at, or, over the limits of what it could take. The swedish army was exhousted, sufering from illnes, hunger, short of every thing ( how ever armies could live of the land)
If the Swedes took the field of Poltava could it not be just an other battle won , more a phirric victory, whit out really beaten the russians?
 
To give the Swedes in Poltava a chance, change the outcome of Lesnaya and have Levenhaupt link up with Charles. That not only gives Charles a much better chance, shot in the leg or not, but also allows the victory to have a meaningful followup if Peter should escape.
 
Von Adler,
I do not doubt the qualities of the Swedish army at that time, and certanly not the agrasive tacktical skills of Charles XII. Probably one of the best comanders of that time, even he is never that wel know as the more (over rated?) Mallborough.
But what I read, most historians agree that his army was at, or, over the limits of what it could take. The swedish army was exhousted, sufering from illnes, hunger, short of every thing ( how ever armies could live of the land)
If the Swedes took the field of Poltava could it not be just an other battle won , more a phirric victory, whit out really beaten the russians?

The army was starved, had frozen during the winter and had been harried by partisans and was weak, yes.

But the Swedish army won at Narva after marching for 7 days (with 4 days of provisions, the troops had not eaten for 48 hours when the enemy positions were stormed), with no winter uniforms, through rain, hail and snow, and charged the Russian army that was at least 3 times as big, in total probably 7 times as big (even if lots of the Russians did not participate in combat) with great success.

The Swedish troops were used to hardships.

I think that a Swedish victory at Poltava is not ASB, but very hard.

A Swedish victory will only mean something if it an be followed up. Is Peter captured or killed? Will the Cossacks actually rise as promised if the Swedes win? Will the Poles invade instead of halting at the Polish-Russian border as in OTL? Will the Crimeans and/or the Turks take the oppurtunity to act?

I agree with RGB that Karl XII needs the cavalry and Lewenhaupt and the supplies he had.

Actually, I don't think Karl XII was that a good General. He was a lousy strategist. He was a very inspirational leader, had a very experienced corps of generals (a proto-general staff if you will) and led the best army in the world at the time, which suited his boldness perfectly.
 
I actually think that Lesnaya is an easier battle to win; the forces were roughly even, and if the rear of Levenhaupt's corps could pull up to participate in the action, it would probably be a bit too much for the Russians.

That or have Karl stay put in place. Either way, without supplies and cavalry that army at Poltava is immobilized.
 
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