ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the pivotal role of the Dutch in the military modernisation of Sweden and Denmark. It shows how Dutch shipping and naval warfare dominated the Baltic Sea and its coasts. It shows how the Scandinavian kingdoms adopted Dutch skill. The lesser significance of the Dutch in the affairs of Poland and Prussia is investigated. As prime examples of Dutch entrepreneurial skill, Louys de Geer and the Marselis family are highlighted, especially the phenomenal growth of the Swedish arms manufactories under De Geer’s direction.
