The Northern War, also known as the Great Northern War, was a conflict that took place from 1700 to 1721. It involved several countries, including Sweden, Russia, Denmark-Norway, and Saxony-Poland. The war began when a coalition of these nations sought to challenge Sweden's dominance in Northern Europe, which had been established during the previous century. The war ended with the Treaty of Nystad in 1721, significantly altering the balance of power in the region. As a result, Russia emerged as a major European power, while Sweden lost its status as a dominant force. The conflict had lasting effects on the political landscape of Northern Europe.