The Battle of Gangut was a pivotal naval confrontation that occurred during the Great Northern War, which spanned from 1700 to 1721. The conflict saw Russia, Latvia, Denmark-Norway, and Saxony pitted against Sweden, which was a dominant power in Northern Europe at the time. The Russian Navy, still in its infancy, was undergoing significant development under the auspices of Tsar Peter the Great who sought to expand Russia's territorial influence and power through a capable navy. The battle took place on the 7th of August, in the Gulf of Finland, and emerged as the first important victory for the Russian Navy, proving crucial in establishing its presence in the Baltic Sea.Admiral Fyodor Apraksin commanded the Russian fleet, which comprised a mix of larger warships and smaller vessels, allowing for more agile tactics against the Swedish fleet, which was larger and traditionally outfitted. The Swedish Navy, led by Vice Admiral Johan G. von Platen, found itself overconfident and unprepared for the tactics that the Russian fleet employed. The Russians exploited their smaller ships to engage the Swedes in close combat, outmaneuvering them and targeting their weakest points. The battle ultimately resulted in a significant defeat for the Swedish fleet, capturing several ships and killing or wounding many officers and sailors. Gangut's victory was a notable anthem of Russian naval warfare and strategy, showcasing a turning point in the Great Northern War. It heralded the rise of Russia as a formidable naval power and served as a foundation for the future expansions of the Russian Navy. Following this battle, Russia continued to develop its naval capabilities, culminating in more decisive victories over Swedish forces throughout the conflict.