Charles XII Stops at Smolensk: Sweden's March on Moscow Ends
Charles XII of Sweden halts his advance on Moscow at Smolensk, a decision that leaves his exhausted army vulnerable to defeat at the Battle of Poltava just nine months later. This strategic blunder shatters the Swedish Empire's dominance and forces it to relinquish its status as a major European power.
September 11, 1708
318 years ago
Key Figures & Places
Moscow
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Smolensk
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Charles XII of Sweden
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Great Northern War
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Battle of Poltava
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Swedish empire
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major power
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Charles XII of Sweden
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Moscow
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Great Northern War
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Swedish Empire
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Smolensk
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Battle of Poltava
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Great power
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