ABSTRACT

In 1520 Sweden had been a dependency of Denmark, unable to free herself from the political tyranny of Christian II without submitting to the commercial tyranny of Lubeck. Gustavus Vasa had given her independence, political, commercial, and ecclesiastical alike, and with it the strength which was impelling her towards a policy of empire. The wealth of Sweden was no greater than might be looked for in a land where less than one million people were strewn over a vast area, and in a climate which neither incited nor richly rewarded industry. Sweden was in great peril, for her rise had given offence to several Powers. The authority of Charles was indispensable to the welfare of Sweden rather than conformable to her laws. Sweden lacked anything like an organised administration, and men competent to govern were rare. The principle that industry and commerce should be controlled by the Crown permeated the economic policy of Sweden.