Charles XII combined tactical skill with recurring strategic and logistical weaknesses. The Swedish king drove into Norway aiming at Christiania and Akershus Fortress, but he moved quickly without his heavy siege train. A three-day snowstorm in March 1716 removed the chance of strategic surprise and gave the defenders time to prepare in terrain that favored them. Without artillery Charles could not reduce Norwegian fortresses, so the campaign depended on guns and supplies moving by water through the coastal approaches.
Chapter · 18:43-20:49
Charles XII's Norwegian campaign needed artillery
Charles XII's 1716 thrust into Norway loses surprise and stalls without the heavy artillery needed to reduce Norwegian fortresses.