Uhh. Look at a map of Russia in 1709 versus 1795. Westward expansion seems to have proceeded quite nicely.
In fact, most of the land area controlled by Sweden in 1709 was Russian in 1795, including Finland and the Baltics.
If Charles XII had concentrated on building up the "Sweden" of 1709 rather than attempting to conquer Russia, it would probably have worked out a lot better for his country. During his reign he managed to take Sweden from a first rank status among nations to at best third-rate status.
“Westward expansion seems to have proceeded quite nicely.”
- I wouldn’t call destroying the economy of the Baltic states expanding westwards.
The same thing goes for Finland that was conquered in 1809 thanks to the courteous promises of a certain Corsican.
Russia pushed her borders westwards, yes, but did this involve any economic, military or cultural “expansion” to speak of.
I’d say very little. The game was already over and Russia failed to reached the seven seas.
Sweden lost a Baltic empire, true, but remains the leading economic, military and cultural power in the Baltic area - to a great extent this is thanks to Charles XII and Gustavus III.
They tamed the bear.