ABSTRACT

This is the first in a sequence of books which explores the history of The Baltic World and Northern Europe. In this period, Sweden was a major European power, occupying a central position in international politics. Her rise and decline, and the passing of regional hegemony to the new powers of Russia and Prussia, are central features in the book. Dr Kirby describes the evolving social and political systems of the principal Baltic states of the time, he gives the key events and processes in European history a new interest and freshness by showing them from the unfamiliar perspective of the northern world.

part One|73 pages

The Baltic at the End of the Middle Ages

chapter Chapter One|21 pages

The Baltic in the European Economy

chapter Chapter Two|25 pages

Rulers and Ruled

chapter Chapter Three|25 pages

The Decline of the Order, 1492–1558

part Two|89 pages

The Livonian Wars

chapter Chapter Four|30 pages

New Currents

chapter Chapter Five|29 pages

The Struggle for Dominion: The First Phase, 1558–1621

chapter Chapter Six|28 pages

War and Society

part Three|127 pages

Sweden as a Great Power

chapter Chapter Seven|29 pages

The Central European Wars (1618–79)

chapter Chapter Eight|33 pages

The Military State

chapter Chapter Nine|31 pages

Trade and the Baltic Economy

chapter Chapter Ten|32 pages

Society and Culture in the Baroque Age

part Four|112 pages

The Rise of Russia

chapter Chapter Eleven|28 pages

The Struggle for Dominion – The Final Phase

chapter Chapter Twelve|29 pages

After Nystad: Politics and Diplomacy in the North

chapter Chapter Thirteen|32 pages

State and society in the Age of Enlightenment

chapter Chapter Fourteen|21 pages

1772 – The End of an Era?