The Amazingly Rich Sweden History
The Sweden history is directly linked to the Vikings. They are considered to be ruthless
merchants who operate around the world. However, some business expeditions just turn out to be a looting of foreign
places. There are two types of Vikings, the Swedish ones and the Danish ones. There expeditions are concentrated in
opposite directions. The Danish Vikings went westward towards England and the Swedish Vikings went to the eastward
route. In Sweden history, it is during the Viking era that chiefdoms emerged. This is where a power structure was
well established in the land. As time went by, some chiefdom grew more in power and expanded there land area. This
then gave way to two separate states of olden Sweden. These states are often referred to as tribes or local
nationalities. They are called the Goter and Svear. In the following years Svear conquered Goter and the two states
merged as one nation.
It wan also noted that in the Sweden history that Sweden is a member of an old country known as Scandinavia. It
is known as Scandinavia along with Norway and Denmark. This is the reason why the three countries actually share a
similar kind of language. However, over time, each country has risen to power independently. For Sweden, the
political situation is relatively weak because their king is elected by the aristocracy and he has no absolute
control over the land. It got even more complicated when Sweden entered an alliance with Denmark and Norway called
the Union of Kalmar. Its purpose is to counteract the growing influence of German Hanseatic League. It is an
alliance of cities that trade with each other, whose primary objective was to maintain monopoly to trade along the
coast of Northern Europe. Denmark was the elected leader of the group. It was well led by Queen Margaret I of
Denmark. However, her successors failed to keep the peace between the nations involved. In the middle ages there is
a constant struggle for power in this region that the “Bloodbath of Stockholm”. The effect of this event paved the
way for Gustav Vasa to be king of Sweden.
Gustav Vasa was considered to be the first king who established the present Sweden. He made it into an
autocratic state where everything he says goes. He made the tax system very efficient and he converted the whole
country from Catholics to Protestants. This gained the highest position possible in both State and the Church. This
way information where easily disseminated to the people because everyone was obliged to go on church on Sunday. He
also privately corresponds to every farm units and has easily broken any uprising against him. After Gustav Vasa,
Sweden history was leading at the time of the Swedish Great Power. During this time, Sweden has expanded its
territories like all the other countries in Europe who have colonies. However, this Swedish Great Power was in
constant war until it finally met its defeat on 1718. During the 19th century, the Diet of Four Estates was
abolished. It is a legislative assembly of the Grand Duchy of Finland. It was replaced by a two-chamber parliament.
From then on Sweden has managed to withstand the test of time. It has gone through the many wars in Europe and was
affected by the Depression during the nineteen twenties. Sweden history has proved to be a very complicated,
vibrant story of a nation.
Sweden History Tip #1
Always remember to carry a map of Sweden when you visit, mark on it the whereabouts of your hotel and the full
address and keep it with you when you travel. Mark down landmarks near the hotel if you plan to walk so that you
can easily spot the direction of your residency for the time of your stay.
Sweden History Tip #2
If you plan to travel to Northern Sweden to experience the Northern Lights and the Ice Hotel, pack accordingly
and remember warm clothing, especially in winter months. Thermal underwear is highly recommended on top of hats,
scarves and a couple of pairs of gloves - there's nothing worse than packing just one pair and losing one
glove!
Sweden History Tip #3
Gothenburg Sweden is just one of many things to see in Sweden. A good idea is to plan your trip in advance so
that you can get to see the best of the best. The place is full of history, glorious scenery, architecture and
quaint little buildings.
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