The disastrous outcome of the war against Sweden and the subsequent Treaty of Roskilde in 1658 had a profound impact on Denmark-Norway's internal politics. King Frederick III, who reigned from 1648 to 1670, capitalized on the national crisis to persuade the Danish nobility to relinquish some of their traditional privileges, including their exemption from taxes. This shift in power marked the beginning of an era of absolutism in Denmark, as Frederick III consolidated royal authority, significantly diminishing the influence of the noble class.
In the decades following this shift, Denmark-Norway focused on recovering the provinces it had lost to Sweden. By the 1670s, the kingdom had rebuilt its strength and was ready to challenge Sweden once more. This led to the Scanian War (1675–1679), during which Denmark-Norway sought to regain its former eastern territories. Despite initial advantages—such as naval dominance, support from allies, and the backing of local populations in the contested provinces—the war ultimately ended in a frustrating stalemate for Denmark-Norway. Despite their efforts, they were unable to reclaim the lost territories, and the status quo established by the Treaty of Roskilde largely remained intact.