4. 1558
Duke John of Finland, ruling under the Swedish crown, founds the port city of Pori on the Gulf of Bothnia. The settlement expands Swedish trade networks and influence in northern Europe.
5. 1658
Denmark–Norway’s King Frederik III signs the Treaty of Roskilde after defeat by Sweden in the Northern Wars. Denmark is forced to cede major territories, dramatically shifting the balance of power in Scandinavia.
6. 1702
Anne Stuart becomes Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland after the death of William III. Her reign marks the final phase of the Stuart dynasty and leads toward the political union of England and Scotland.