Northern Wars facts for kids

The Northern Wars were a series of big wars fought in northern and northeastern Europe. These wars happened between the 1500s and the 1700s. The main countries fighting were the Swedish Empire (Sweden), the Tsardom of Russia (Russia), Poland–Lithuania, and Denmark–Norway. They were all trying to gain more land and power in the region.

The Great Northern War (1700–1721) is usually seen as the last of these wars. After this war, Sweden became less powerful, and the Russian Empire became the strongest country in northern Europe.

Why Did the Northern Wars Happen?

These wars were mostly about who would control the important trade routes and lands around the Baltic Sea. Countries like Sweden, Russia, Poland-Lithuania, and Denmark-Norway all wanted to be the most powerful. They fought to expand their borders and gain more influence.

Important Wars in the Series

Historians sometimes disagree on exactly which wars count as "Northern Wars." But here are some of the most important conflicts that are often included:

The Livonian War (1558–1583)

This was one of the earliest major conflicts. It was fought mainly over control of Livonia, a region that is now parts of Estonia and Latvia. Many countries, including Russia, Sweden, Denmark, and Poland-Lithuania, fought for this important area.

The Northern Seven Years' War (1563–1570)

This war was part of the larger Livonian War. It was mainly between Sweden and Denmark-Norway, along with their allies. They fought over control of the Baltic Sea and trade routes.

The Second Northern War (1655–1660)

This war is also known as the "Swedish Deluge" in Poland. Sweden invaded Poland-Lithuania, and many other countries, including Russia, Denmark-Norway, and the Holy Roman Empire, got involved. This war caused a lot of damage, especially in Poland.

The Scanian War (1674–1679)

This war was mainly between Sweden and Denmark-Norway. It also involved other German states. Denmark tried to get back lands it had lost to Sweden earlier, especially the region of Scania.

The Great Northern War (1700–1721)

This was the biggest and final war in the series. It involved Russia, Denmark-Norway, and Poland-Lithuania fighting against Sweden. The war lasted for more than 20 years and changed the balance of power in Europe. Russia, led by Peter the Great, became a major European power, while Sweden's time as a great empire ended.

What Was the Impact?

The Northern Wars had a huge impact on northern and eastern Europe.

• New Powers: Russia became a much stronger country.
• Changed Borders: Many borders in the region were redrawn.
• Decline of Empires: Sweden lost much of its power and land.
• Long-lasting Rivalries: The wars created long-lasting rivalries between the countries involved.

See also

• Russo-Swedish Wars
• Polish–Swedish wars
• Dano-Swedish War
• Thirty Years' War