Comparative Analysis of the Great Northern War (1700-1721) and the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714): Cultural-Civilization and Military-Professional Aspects

The article considers the military history of Russia and Western Europe through the lenses of the comparative approach. The paper focuses on two wars of the beginning of the XVIII century: the Great Northern War (1700-1721) and the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714). The analysis of military art of the mentioned period emphasizes a cultural-civilization aspect rather than a utilitarian professional one. Strategy, tactics, military logistics, military campaigns, field battles and besiegement are analysed in the comparative aspect and in relation to original culture and peculiar local conditions. The elements and branches of military theory are analysed through the prism of traditional discourse on borrowed or original nature of Peter the Great’s military reforms and on autonomy of domestic military science of the mentioned period.