From the middle of the 16th century to the end of the 18th century the Baltic sea was the scene of frequent conflicts between the powers that surrounded it. As the fortunes in the struggle changed, so did the composition of opposing alliances and the identity of the leading participants. Not only were the littoral states concerned by the outcome; other European states were anxious thoughout the period with what went on in the Baltic, where the emergence of one dominant power could be potentially dangerous and where many had important commercial interests. Stewart Oakley makes clear the causes...
From the middle of the 16th century to the end of the 18th century the Baltic sea was the scene of frequent conflicts between the powers that surround...
