The Rest Is History 565. The Great Northern War: Revenge of the Cossacks (Part 2)
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May 14, 2025 Dive into the turmoil of the Great Northern War as Peter the Great faces brutal winter and fierce battles against Sweden. Discover the dramatic betrayal of Ukrainian Cossack leader Ivan Mazepa, whose alliance with Sweden shifts the war's fate. The struggles of the Swedish army reveal the human costs of combat, while royal resolve shines through as Charles XII defies his injuries to inspire his troops. The impending clash at Poltava looms large, shaping the destinies of two mighty monarchs in a historic showdown.
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Frostbite Brutality in War
- Ensign Gustav Piper lost both feet to frostbite during the harsh Russian winter in 1709.
- Charles XII encouraged him, showing the brutal reality soldiers faced in the Great Northern War.
Peter's Scorched Earth Strategy
- Peter the Great employed scorched earth tactics to hinder the Swedish advance in Poland.
- This ruthless strategy aimed to create a 'desert' by burning villages and destroying supplies.
Swedish Supply Disaster at Lesnaya
- Swedish supply train lost at Battle of Lesnaya due to exhaustion and disorganization.
- Looting and drunkenness among Swedish troops caused chaos and heavy losses during a retreat.