Treaty of Nystad
Nystad (Uusikaupunki), south-west Finland
What happened
The Tsardom of Russia under Peter the Great and the Swedish Empire under King Frederick I. The Great Northern War had lasted 21 years. In the small Finnish town of Nystad, Sweden recognised Russian control of Estonia, Livonia, Ingria and part of Karelia. Russia gave most of Finland back to Sweden and paid two million silver coins.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It shifted the balance of power in Europe. Sweden's time as a great empire ended, and Russia emerged as a new empire.
What came next
Russia returned most of Finland within four weeks, and the new border was marked out in 1722. The ceded regions kept their own laws, Lutheran religion and language.
Did you know?
Before 1917, a street in St. Petersburg was named Nystadt Street after the treaty.
Timeline
- 1700The Great Northern War begins.
- 10 September 1721The Treaty of Nystad is signed.
- 1722The new border is marked out.
- 7-8 October 2021A conference marks the treaty's 300th anniversary.