ARTILLERY OF PETER THE GREAT - THE GREAT NORTHERN WAR

It is quite commonly assumed that one of the greatest, if not the greatest, rulers of Russia in its history was Peter I the Great of the Romanov dynasty, who ruled in the years 1682-1725. Undoubtedly, his numerous reforms in the field of central and local administration, education and economic life have left their mark on Russia and pushed it forward. Equally significant changes took place in the Russian army, including its artillery. First of all, similarly to the cavalry and infantry, he modeled it on Western solutions, striving with iron consistency to standardize its weights and increase its mobility on the battlefield. It is worth adding that Peter the Great also took care of the construction of sufficiently numerous bell foundries producing for the needs of the Russian army. He also added cannons to an infantry regiment. In 1700, a single regiment of the Russian infantry had a battery of two 3-pounder guns, staffed by a total of 12 people. It is worth adding that the Russian artillery since the times of Peter the Great began to be known for its good training, high combat values, and above all - for having a good quality artillery park. She continued this peculiar reputation until the end of the 18th century. The fact that the new Russian army of Peter the Great, including its artillery, turned out to be an effective weapon, is proved by its great victory at the Battle of Poltava in 1709 and the victorious ending of the Great Northern War.