In 1240, a famous battle took place on the Neva River between Swedish opponents and the Russian army, led by Prince Alexander Yaroslavovich (Nevsky). It was the skillful command of the prince that brought victory to the Novgorodians. However, just a few months later, Alexander Nevsky was expelled from Veliky Novgorod.
Battle on the Neva
For a long time, the territory adjacent to the Neva River was the subject of the struggle between the Russians and the Swedes. The fact is that the Neva was an outlet to the Baltic Sea, and, therefore, part of the most important trade route called "from the Varangians to the Greeks."
In the XIII century, Russia, weakened by the Tatar-Mongol invasion, seemed to the Swedes, as well as the Germans and Danes, an easy prey. At the beginning of the summer of 1240, Swedish ships appeared on the waters of the Neva, and the scouts immediately reported to Alexander. The prince decided that an exceptionally surprise attack would be the most advantageous option. That is why the Russian army set out from land. As a result, the Swedes were forced to retreat. On the ships that survived the battle, they left the battlefield.
After the battle on the Neva, Alexander Yaroslavovich not only gained fame as a talented commander, but also received his famous nickname Nevsky.
Expulsion from Novgorod
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During this period, namely from 1136 to 1478, democracy reigned in Veliky Novgorod. All decisions important for the republic were made by the participants of the veche. For example, at the meetings new laws were issued and old laws were amended, tax amounts were discussed, local leaders were elected, and decisions were made regarding military operations. It is noteworthy that the veche had the right to lead the prince himself and judge his "wines".
It is not surprising that the boyars, in the light of the growing popularity and influence of Alexander Nevsky, feared that he would rule alone. At least this point of view is shared by most historians. By voting, the members of the veche decided to remove the prince from Novgorod. Alexander was forced to obey and, together with the princely squad, left for Pereslavl-Zalessky.
However, some scholars argue that the Novgorodians simply did not like Alexander Yaroslavovich, and they had good reasons for that. The fact is that, according to historians, the prince was very cruel and despotic. He deprived the Novgorodians of their former freedom and forced them to submit to someone else's will. After all, it was at the behest of Alexander that the inhabitants of Veliky Novgorod began to pay tribute to the Tatars.
Return to Novgorod
Be that as it may, Alexander Nevsky still returned to Novgorod. Moreover, he did it at the invitation of the same boyars, who, as it turned out, chose not the best time for a quarrel. The fact is that soon German troops captured the cities of Izborsk and Pskov and were already in dangerous proximity to the republic. It is clear that the Novgorodians could not do without the help of a skilled commander.