The Great Northern War between Sweden and Russia ends in the Treaty of Nystad.
The Great Northern War (1700–1721) was a major conflict in Northern and Eastern Europe that involved a coalition of several countries, including Russia, Denmark-Norway, and Saxony-Poland-Lithuania, against the Swedish Empire. The primary objective of the war was to challenge the dominant position of Sweden in the region and to redistribute territorial control among the major powers.
Swedish Dominance: In the late 17th century, Sweden was one of the most powerful countries in Europe, with control over large territories around the Baltic Sea, including parts of modern-day Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and northern Germany. The Swedish Empire had a formidable military, and its dominance was seen as a threat by neighboring powers.
The Anti-Swedish Alliance: The war began in 1700 when a coalition of countries—primarily Russia, Denmark-Norway, and Saxony-Poland-Lithuania—decided to challenge Sweden’s supremacy. The coalition was led by Tsar Peter I of Russia, King Frederick IV of Denmark-Norway, and King Augustus II of Poland-Lithuania.
Early Swedish Victories: Initially, Sweden, under King Charles XII, was highly successful. Charles defeated Denmark and Saxony-Poland-Lithuania and launched a campaign against Russia, culminating in the Battle of Narva in 1700, where the Swedish army won a significant victory over the Russians despite being heavily outnumbered.
Turning Point: The tide began to turn in favor of Russia after the disastrous Swedish invasion of Russia in 1708-1709. The harsh winter, coupled with strategic Russian tactics such as the scorched earth policy, culminated in the decisive Battle of Poltava in 1709, where the Swedish army was decisively defeated. This marked a significant turning point in the war.
Russian Ascendancy: After the Battle of Poltava, Russia gained the upper hand. Over the next decade, Russia, under Peter the Great, systematically pushed back the Swedes and captured several key territories, including the Baltic provinces.
End of the War: The war officially ended with the Treaty of Nystad in 1721. As a result of the treaty, Sweden lost significant territories to Russia, including Estonia, Livonia (part of modern-day Latvia and Estonia), and parts of Finland. This marked the end of Sweden as a major power in Europe and the rise of Russia as a dominant force in Northern and Eastern Europe.