The Great Northern War (1700-1721) was a conflict in Northern Europe where a coalition led by Russia, Denmark-Norway, and Saxony-Poland fought against the Swedish Empire. The war aimed to challenge Sweden's dominance in the region and resulted in significant territorial changes. The war concluded with the Treaty of Nystad in 1721, which marked the decline of the Swedish Empire and the rise of Russia as a major power. Key battles included the Battle of Poltava in 1709, where the Swedish forces suffered a decisive defeat, leading to the eventual collapse of their influence in the Baltic region.