 Complete the following phrase:  The Great Northern War 17001721 was devastating, as Sweden and Russia fought for control of the Baltic. Harsh conditionsworsening poverty and repeated crop failuresamong peasants undermined support for the war, leading to Swedens defeat. Finland was a battleground as both armies ravaged the countryside, leading to famine, epidemics, social disruption and the loss of nearly half the population. By 1721 only 250,000 remained. Landowners had to pay higher wages to keep their peasants. Russia was the winner, annexing the south-eastern part, including the town of Viborg, after the Treaty of Nystad. The border with Russia came to lie roughly where it returned to after World War II. Swedens status as a European great power was forfeited, and Russia was now the leading power in the North. The absolute monarchy ended in Sweden. During this 