The Great Northern War, which lasted from 1700 to 1721, had a very negative effect on Sweden's politics in the 18th century.

1. Loss of Power:

   • Sweden stopped being a major power in Europe.
   • The Treaty of Nystad in 1721 meant that Sweden lost important lands, which made it less influential in the Baltic Sea area.

2. Internal Strife:

   • The war made tensions rise between the rich nobles and the royal family because lots of money was spent.
   • Higher taxes upset many people, leading to frustration among the citizens.

3. Political Instability:

   • The weakened royal family caused fights for power among government leaders.
   • New political parties formed, which created divisions and made it harder for the government to work well.

To solve these problems, Sweden could focus on:

• Bringing Political Unity: Encouraging talks between different political groups.
• Economic Recovery: Creating plans to rebuild the economy, help it grow steadily, and improve people’s lives.
• Diplomatic Engagement: Building strong friendships with other nations to gain back Sweden’s influence in Europe.