Portugal was slowly fading as a major force, especially by 1700 but in the 1600’s I think they were still a player.
“Portugal was slowly fading as a major force, especially by 1700 but in the 1600’s I think they were still a player.”
- During the 1600’s they still had some influence, I agree, but it can’t be compared to what Gustavus Adolphus accomplished (with the aid of German Protestant sympathizers it ought to be said); namely gaining control of a major part of the European continent in record time, making German cities fall like domino bricks relying on a base consisting of a tiny, at that time backward nation with a population of a mere 1 million.
Being a nation of one million and deciding over the future development of mankind on two occasions within a century is something highly unique.
If you ever happen to come across Peter the Great of Russia or any 17th century Pope anytime in your afterlife, avoid bringing up the topic of Sweden.