Baltic Story: A Thousand-Year History of Its Lands, Sea and Peoples

The Baltic Story explores the shared history of the countries around the Baltic, from the foundation of great cities to the rise and fall of dynasties, the Enlightenment, and the impact of World War I and the Russian Revolution.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2020
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

The Baltic Story is a captivating journey through the shared history of the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea,spanning a millennium of events. It unveils the intricate web of blood and commerce that has connected the diverse lands that now comprise Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Western Russia, and eastern Germany. This narrative encompasses the birth of some of Europe's most illustrious cities, including St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Gdansk. The earliest settlers laid the foundation for a prosperous commercial network, which was further enriched by the rise of Hansa merchants. As their wealth increased, they exerted influence over their neighboring political affairs. In Poland, descendants of the country's first rulers united their territories and established a state that championed religious tolerance and an elective monarchy. Meanwhile, one of Europe's oldest dynasties, the Oldenburgs, rose to power in Denmark, but their reign was cut short by the king's massacre of Swedish nobles. The Kalmar Union, a significant alliance between Sweden and Poland, collapsed when Gustav Vasa ascended to the Swedish throne. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a period of upheaval in Russia, culminating in the election of Michael, the first Romanov emperor. As the conflict between the Poles and Swedes persisted, Karl X ravaged Poland and launched an attack on Copenhagen, crossing the frozen sea in a daring maneuver. Despite facing further Swedish assaults, the Danish king managed to consolidate his power and establish absolute rule. This rich history unfolds the evolution of autocracy, from the absolutist kings of Denmark to the opulent world of the eighteenth-century Russian empresses. It delves into the era of the Enlightenment, highlighting the achievements of Frederick II of Prussia and Catherine II of Russia, as well as the challenges faced by Poland that ultimately led to its collapse. Furthermore, it explores how Enlightenment thinking influenced Denmark and Sweden, shaping their political and cultural landscapes. The Baltic Story serves as a testament to the complex and multifaceted history of the region, shedding light on the shared heritage, conflicts, and triumphs that have shaped the countries around the Baltic Sea.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 133 x 196 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398103306