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The Swedish Vikings

The Vikings were traders from Denmark, Norway and Sweden. As they were more successful they became greedy andstole from the towns they traded with. They got a reputation as blood-thirsty conquerers. Vikings were successful because they had strong boats and did not fear death. They were actually religious but had many gods. They believed if they died in battle, they would go to "Valhalla," or "The Hall of the Gods" and gain eternal life.  As the Vikings travelled to Christian lands many became converted. In 1008, the Swedish King, Olaf Skötkonung, was baptized as a Christian and this began the end of the Viking Age

Middle Ages

The Swedish Middle Ages were turbulent. Sweden was a kingdom where the ling was elected. In 1397 Sweden, Norway and Denmark formed the Kalmar Union and elected a common King. In the late Middle Ages, struggle for power between political families and the Danish King Kristian II ended with a fight known as the "Bloodbath of Stockholm"in 1520. Gustav Vasa became king in 1521.

Autocracy

King Gustav transformed Sweden into an autocratic nation. He made the tax system more efficient but taxes were increased. Farmers had to pay much more. There were rebellions but the King bcame more powerful as he fought off the rebels.

The Church

King Gustav reformed the Church from Catholic to Protestant. He wanted control over the property of the Church. He became the head of the Church. He could reach many people by putting speakers in the Churches on Sundays.

The Bible was translated from Latin to Swedish.

What was bad though was that the Church had cared for healthcare and education. These were hurt by the King's reform. Sweden was cut off from the rest of Europe.

 

credit: http://www.sverigeturism.se/smorgasbord/smorgasbord/society/history/nation.html