November 30, 1700 - 18-year old King Charles XII of Sweden
(right) wins a stunning victory at Narva. Advancing east with
8,500 well-trained men after his defeat of the Danes, Charles
sought lift the siege of Narva in Swedish-held Estonia. Though
Duke Charles Eugène de Croy possessed 30,000-37,000 men outside
the city, Charles was not to be denied and launched a massive
assault on November 30. Using a blinding snowstorm as cover, the
Swedish troops advanced to within 50 yards of the Russian lines
before they were seen. Shattering Croy's lines, the Swedes
defeated his army detail through the rest of the day. The Battle
of Narva was one of the greatest victories in Swedish history
and effectively destroyed the Russian army. Photograph Source:
Public Domain