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