Russia's Conquest of Estonia Following the Battle of Narva

The Great Northern War marked a pivotal conflict in Northern Europe, initiated by Russia's invasion of Estonia. This conflict arose in a context where Estonia had been under Swedish control for several decades, and many Estonians had developed a sense of loyalty to the Swedish crown. The population of Estonia had experienced significant growth prior to the war, but this was abruptly interrupted by the Great Famine of 1695-1697, which resulted in the death of approximately 20% of the population. This demographic shift influenced the social and political landscape of the region, as the remaining populace rallied to defend their territory against external threats. As the war unfolded, the Estonian population became increasingly involved in the conflict, with estimates suggesting that around 20,000 Estonians took up arms to resist the Russian invasion. The Great Northern War not only reshaped the territorial boundaries of Northern Europe but also had lasting impacts on the national identity and political affiliations of the Estonian people. The war ultimately led to the decline of Swedish influence in the region and the rise of Russian power, setting the stage for future conflicts and the eventual establishment of Estonia as a significant player in the Baltic region.