ABSTRACT
The resolution of the ‘Baltic question’ in Sweden’s favour during the early years of the seventeenth century was the prelude to the northern kingdom’s dramatic incursion into central Europe, and the acquisition of further territory along the Baltic littoral. Denmark was now outflanked, its residual claims to Baltic dominion torn to shreds by the armies of Lennart Torstensson and Karl X Gustav. At a critical juncture in the conflict of the major continental powers, Sweden was to play a decisive role; and even though the pinnacle of success achieved by Gustav II Adolf in the winter of 1631–2 was never again to be reached, Sweden’s intentions continued to exercise the minds of European statesmen. Unhindered access to the vital naval stores of the Baltic region was a major concern of the English and Dutch in the second half of the seventeenth century. Although prepared actively to intervene in 1658–9 to ensure that Sweden did not upset the balance of power in the western Baltic and secure control of vital access routes, they were content to support the territorial status quo in the eastern Baltic. Sweden’s attempts to pursue a more aggressive trade policy in the 1690s, and the disruptions to trade caused by privateers licensed by Karl XII may have annoyed the maritime powers, but did not lead them to abandon this policy.
