The death of Charles XII. followed the rapid decline of the Swedish Empire. The Swedish nation had suffered much in the last ten years of his reign. The constant state of war had brought famine and poverty and ruined the state in many ways. Charles XII. fought Sweden's numerous enemies in the vain hope of restoring the empire to its old glory. He was the King who most strongly believed that Sweden was destined for imperial greatness, no matter the cost. What can be said about his reign? How would history judge his character or his decisions as a King?