The Great Northern War was a struggle for dominance in what region?

The Great Northern War, which lasted from 1700 to 1721, was a conflict primarily involving Sweden and a coalition of Russia, Denmark-Norway, and Saxony-Poland-Lithuania. The war was crucial for establishing dominance in the Baltic region, as it significantly altered the balance of power in Northern Europe.

During the conflict, Russia aimed to gain access to the Baltic Sea, which was vital for trade and naval power. This struggle culminated in key battles, like the Battle of Poltava in 1709, where the Russian forces achieved a decisive victory over the Swedes, leading to the decline of Sweden as a great power and propelling Russia into a position of prominence in the region. As a result, the outcome of the war directly shaped the political landscape surrounding the Baltic Sea and facilitated Russia's emergence as a major player in European affairs. The importance of the Baltic in trade and military strategy during this period underscores its significance as the core focus of the Great Northern War.