War and Society in Eastern and Central Europe, 1700–23

War and Society in Eastern and Central Europe, 1700–23

Great Northern War (1700-21)

  • The Great Northern War was initiated by Peter the Great of Russia, Frederick IV of Denmark-Norway, and Augustus II the Strong of Saxony-Poland-Lithuania against Charles XII of Sweden.
  • Resulted in significant shifts of power in the region with Sweden’s dominion collapsing and Russia emerging as a major power, shaping the political geography of Eastern and Central Europe.

Impact on the Swedish Empire

  • Charles XII initially enjoyed success, but his active warfare approach drained Sweden’s resources.
  • After the disastrous Battle of Poltava in 1709, Charles fled to the Ottoman Empire, leaving his nation largely undefended.
  • Sweden was invaded by its enemies, resulting in a major loss of territories and Sweden’s decline as a great power.

Rise of the Russian Empire

  • Peter the Great modernised the Russian military, using the Great Northern War to transform Russia into a leading European power.
  • Russia’s victory over Sweden led to the acquisition of Estonia, Livonia, and a part of Karelia, securing access to the Baltic Sea and opening doors for trade and Western influence.
  • The founding of St. Petersburg in 1703 facilitated Russia’s ‘Window to the West’, reflecting Peter’s ambition to westernise Russia.

Effects on Poland-Lithuania and Denmark-Norway

  • Poland-Lithuania failed to regain lost territories from Sweden, with Augustus II the Strong unable to assert effective control.
  • Denmark managed to exit the war early, retaining its territories, though it failed to regain control over the Swedish provinces of Scania and Halland.

Societal Impact

  • The war led to devastation and depopulation across the territories involved, particularly in Sweden and the Baltic provinces.
  • The Swedish economy drastically declined due to war costs, resulting in reduced living standards.
  • In Russia, serfs were heavily taxed and conscripted to facilitate Peter’s modernisation policies, leading to popular discontent and rebellion.

Treaties and Aftermath

  • The Treaty of Nystad marked the end of the war in 1721, formalising Russia’s territorial gains.
  • The war’s end saw a new balance of power and political realignment in Europe, with Russia now a prominent European power.
  • The Great Northern War marked a key transition in Eastern and Central European history, tracing the decline of Sweden and rise of Russia.