Changes

[[Image:Sweden in 1658.PNG|thumb|right|200px|The Swedish Empire in light orange, with the modern nation of [[Sweden]] in dark orange.]]

[[Image:Sweden in 1658.PNG|thumb|right|100px|The Swedish Empire in light orange, with the modern nation of [[Sweden]] in dark orange.]]

The '''Swedish Empire''' (Swedish ''Stormaktstiden'') (1611-1718) was a period of [[Sweden]]'s history that was marked by extensive territorial acquisitions and political influence throughout [[Europe]].

The '''Swedish Empire''' (Swedish ''Stormaktstiden'') (1611-1718) was a period of [[Sweden]]'s history that was marked by extensive territorial acquisitions and political influence throughout [[Europe]].

After the [[Thirty Years' War]], Sweden gained posession of upper [[Pomerania]], some of lower Pomerania, and the [[Oder river|Oder]], [[Elbe river|Elbe]], and [[Weser river|Weser]] rivers, allowing them to collect tarriffs on shipping traveling on these vital trade arteries.

After the [[Thirty Years' War]], Sweden gained posession of upper [[Pomerania]], some of lower Pomerania, and the [[Oder river|Oder]], [[Elbe river|Elbe]], and [[Weser river|Weser]] rivers, allowing them to collect tarriffs on shipping traveling on these vital trade arteries.