The Great Northern War (1700-21, generally considered to be the last of the Northern Wars) is fought between Russia and Sweden for supremacy in the Baltic Sea.

Initially, Russia joins the coalition in the war with Denmark and Saxony - composed of the so-called Northern Alliance, but after the outbreak of hostilities the Union collapses, and is rebuilt in 1709.

At various stages of the war other participants attend: on the side of Russia - England (c 1707 UK), Hannover, Holland, Prussia, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth; on the side of Sweden - England / Britain and Hanover.

The war ends with the defeat of Sweden in 1721, leaving Russia dominant in the Baltic Sea and a major player in European politics.

The war begins as a coordinated attack on Sweden by the coalition in 1700 and ends in 1721 with the Treaty of Nystad and the Stockholm treaties.