The Great Northern War (1700-1721) changed Sweden's power and land a lot. Before the war, Sweden was really strong in Northern Europe. But after the fighting, many things were different.

Loss of Land

• Treaty of Nystad (1721): Sweden lost important areas, including:
  • Ingria: This land near St. Petersburg was crucial for trade.
  • Estonia and Livonia: These places became part of Russia, making Sweden less powerful in the Baltic Sea.

Loss of Power

• Military Losses: The war hurt Sweden’s army a lot. A big battle, the Battle of Poltava in 1709, showed how they were defeated by Russia. This was a major turning point.
• Changing Power: As Sweden grew weaker, Russia became a major power in the area, gaining more influence.

Economic Issues

• Stressed Resources: The long war exhausted Sweden’s economy. This led to higher taxes and unhappy people.

In short, the Great Northern War changed Sweden from a powerful country to a smaller one, affecting the politics of Northern Europe for many years.