![]() In all these potential threats, however, lurk opportunities for those bold enough to seize the chance. To the west, the other Scandinavian nations want independence or an end to Swedish domination of the Baltic. To the south, Poland-Lithuania wants its lost lands back. To the east, the Russians would like unhindered access to the Baltic, and therefore Western Europe beyond. Charles XI, however, has left an impressive arsenal in place for his son, should he wish to take up the sword and Charles XII has an obsessive interest in soldiering.Īs the new century dawns, Sweden is a strong, aggressive state, surrounded by jealous rivals from whom she has taken territory in the last hundred years. Neither of these commodities are available in abundance, and prudent stewardship has been necessary too. This military power did, however, cost money and Swedish lives. The nation emerged from that conflict immeasurably stronger in military terms, and able to invade its Baltic neighbours at will. Even though he died in battle at Luetzen in 1632, the army that he created helped Sweden profit from the seemingly endless religious struggles of the Thirty Years War. ![]() Sweden dominates Scandinavia and the Baltic, a Northern European empire that is the legacy of the incomparable warrior-king, Gustavus II Adolphus.
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