❄️ The Great Northern War (AD 1700–1721) | Peter the Great & Charles XII of Sweden What was it? • A 21-year struggle where a Russia-led coalition (Russia, Denmark-Norway, Saxony-Poland-Lithuania; later Hanover & Prussia) broke Sweden’s Baltic dominance. Why did Sweden and Russia fight? • Control of Baltic ports and trade. Peter I wanted a “window to the West” (sea access to Europe); Sweden defended its 17th-century Baltic empire. Main players (kings) • Sweden — Charles XII • Russia — Peter I (“the Great”) • Denmark-Norway — Frederick IV • Saxony-Poland-Lithuania — Augustus II Who won and why? • Russia. Peter modernized army + navy, while Sweden overextended; a renewed coalition kept pressure on multiple fronts. Where & how long? • Across the Baltic world—Denmark/Schleswig-Holstein, Poland-Lithuania, Ingria/Estonia/Livonia, Finland, and into today’s Ukraine—1700 to 1721. Why 21 years? • Detour: After early wins, Charles XII chased Augustus II in Poland-Lithuania (~6 years). • Russ...