Sweden History. Flashcards
Why did Sweden enter the 30 years war?
There were many different reasons to this. The biggest and most probable being the already existing war between protestants and catholic with Sweden being protestant. I think that this was seen as a challenge to Gustav II Adolf, and that he was looking for some kind of greatness and glory especially with the two skilled generals on the opposite side.
What was Sweden’s role throughout the 30 years war?
To defend protestantism and their own country. All other protestant countries had been defeated, and therefore the Swedish king reasoned that best defence is to attack.
What was the outcome of the war?
Sweden lost their king and Axel Oxenstierna reformed the administration of the country.
What was the significance of the Battle Lützen?
All the circumstances. The long march on which they met patrol that warned the troops, the mist, the camp at the fields and so on. Nothing went Swedens’ way there.
What is a “Regency Government”?
It is a temporary way to control a state. It consists of a council of generals. 5 of them to be precise.
What was Kristina like as a ruler?
She was inconvenient and rebellious. She wanted to rule all by herself and therefore pushed Oxenstierna away from all what power is. She was interested in culture and science.
According to Karl X Gustav, who was suppose to rule after his death? Did that actually happen?
He wanted a regency led by his widow, queen Hedvig Eleonora, with his brother at her side, and the higher nobility and his closest friends, some from the lesser nobility. This regency should rule until his son Karl came of age. Per Brahe succeeded with postponing the decision of how the regency would look until after the kings’ funeral, and in the meantime, the higher nobility ruled.
How long was the funeral process for Karl X Gustav before he was actually buried and how did Swedish society mourn his death?
158 days. Every church had to ring the bells for an hour a day.
Who was Sweden at war with when Karl X Gustav died?
Brandenburg, Denmark, Emperor in Vienna, Netherlands, Poland and Russia.
In the months following the King’s death, Sweden sign treaties with what countries and what land was either lost of gained?
Poland - Sweden gained Livonia, Estonia and Ösel.
Denmark - Lost Trondheim and Bornholm, Gained Skåne and Cabo Corso.
Why were the affairs of state often dealt with extremely slowly, if at all by the high nobility which had taken over important government positions?
The high nobility who ruled had other, personal affairs to take care of, such as managing their land and such.
Who was Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie, what type of power did he have and what types of contributions did he make in Swedish society?
He was interested in culture and used his own money to buy some for Sweden to keep. (Goths’ Bible) He was close friends with the queen. He made up the law that protects antiquities of Sweden.
How did Gustaf Bonde, who was Lord Treasurer, cut down state expenses?
Mainly cutting the Defences since Sweden long had had peace.
In 1660, the Riksdag set forth a series of reforms within government and regarding religion, what were they? (p240-241)
That they should be summoned every third year.
No foreign religion at all was to be preached within the country, overtly or covertly. Only foreign embassies would be allowed to have people living here who were of another faith than the Evangelican-Lutheran.
What languages did Karl XI need to learn and why?
Latin, French, Italian, Spanish, English, Russian, Swedish, Finnish, German.
All the different languages were relevant for a king to learn at the time. Depending on which area you were to discuss, you needed another language. Sweden was a great power and therefore the King had to be able to speak with the other nobles in Europe.
What was Karl XI like as a student?
He was dyslexic, which became a hassle. It was a fiasco. Everyone blamed each other for his reading difficulties.
In 2001, a biography of Karl XI was written by Göran Rystad. How does this biography differ from those of the past?
He is seen as a very misunderstood character.
What types of conflicts were taking place in other European countries during this time?
A conflict between France and Spain, and a conflict about expanding colonial powers.
Why did Sweden ally itself with England?
Because the Netherlands was a dangerous competitor for the Baltic Trade, as well as being allied to Denmark.
How many years did the witch hysteria rage go on for in Sweden and how many people died because of it?
About nine years.
What types of people were convicted as witches?
People living on the edge of society, they were outcasts, unusual in some way, poor and badly educated.
How did the Swedish witch -hunting trials differ from those in Europe?
The testimony of children in sweden was taken seriously.
