In 1700, Russian Tsar Peter I, seeking to secure Russia’s access to the Baltic Sea, entered the Northern War, in which his main opponent was the 18-year-old Swedish monarch Charles XII. On August 20, 1704, the general assault on Narva began. The first to run to the walls with assault ladders in their hands were soldiers who had previously been sentenced to severe punishment, including death, for serious violations of military discipline. Those who survived the battle were granted a pardon. At midday, the signal for the attack was given with five cannon shots. After three hours of fighting, the Russians took control of the main rampart, and the situation for the defenders became hopeless. After 10 days of artillery bombardment and a bloody assault, the fortress was taken.