Comments on Sap's ARR

[Doomdark]

From a historical/realistic standpoint it would have been very hard for Sweden to hold on to the central provinces of Russia, simply because they were so populous and the culture so alien (different language and religion).

However, it would have been a piece of cake to hold and colonize Kola, Far Karelia, Onega and Archangelsk. Possibly Novgorod and Pskov due to their close proximity to the Swedish proper.

Nevertheless, I would say that the campaign turned out quite realistic, although perhaps Sapura's expansion was a little too quick.

Seeing how it turned out, I am willing to forgive the initial disasters, Sap.

/Doomie

 

[Doomdark]

I might be wrong, but didn't Sweden's bid for Baltic supremacy start in earnest from the 1580s or 1590s?

You are basically correct. Sweden adopted a more aggressive foreign policy with the ascent of Erik XIV to the throne in 1560. In 1561 the larger part of Estonia became Swedish. The other two sons of Gustav Vasa - Dukes Johan and Karl - were similarily aggressive as kings. Karl made a bid for Kola and Ingermanland and failed, but managed to get the rest of Estonia and push the Russian border further east in 1595.

The truth is that Sweden grew steadily from 1561 to 1721, despite losing a couple of wars in between. The peace of Westphalia in 1648 was more about prestige than anything else. (In fact, holding on to those small German territories later embroiled Sweden in costly wars she had no real interest in waging.)

Thus, a scenario about supremacy in the Baltic would actually have to stretch from 1560 at the latest to ca 1730. (Preferably even longer).

Another interesting fact about the Swedish Great Power policy is that there is ample evidence of Swedish long term plans to conquer Kola, Russian Karelia, Onega and Archangelsk. This was to be done for two reasons: to gain better natural borders and to stop the Russian shipping out of Archangelsk.

Incidentally, I also support changing Sweden into a playable major power in the Grand Campaign.

Welcome to the Movement, but I am afraid it won't happen in this game.

/Doomie


[This message has been edited by Doomdark (edited 06-06-2000).]