Synopses & Reviews
This is a survey of the point in history when Sweden rose to preeminence in Europe. Drawing on the latest literature in Swedish and other languages, Paul Lockhart examines the institutions of the Swedish 'empire' at the height of its influence, while focusing on the key historical questions: why did this impoverished state become a great power, how was it able to maintain this status, and what brought about its eventual decline?
Synopsis
The history of Sweden in the seventeenth century is perhaps one of the most remarkable political success stories of early modern Europe. Little more than a century after achieving independence from Denmark, Sweden - an impoverished and sparsely-populated state - had defeated all of its most fearsome enemies and was ranked amongst the great powers of Europe.
In this book, which incorporates the latest research on the subject, Paul Douglas Lockhart:
- Surveys the political, diplomatic, economic, social and cultural history of the country, from the beginnings of its career as an empire to its decline at the end of the seventeenth century
- Examines the mechanisms that helped Sweden to achieve the status of a great power, and the reasons for its eventual downfall
- Emphasises the interplay between social structure, constitutional development, and military necessity
Clear and well-written, Lockhart's text is essential reading for all those with an interest in the fascinating history of early modern Sweden.
About the Author
Paul Lockhart is Associate Professor of History, Wright State University, Ohio.
Table of Contents
The Sixteenth-century Legacy * The End of Vasa Despotism * The Pinnacle of Vasa Success: The Reign of Gustav II Adolf * Sweden on the World Stage: The Foreign Policy of Gustav II Adolf * The Interregnum and Queen Christina, 1632-54 * The Swedish 'Power State': Society, Culture and the Burden of War * Protoabsolutism or 'military monarchy'? The Brief Reign of Karl X Gustav, 1654-60 * The Workings of the Empire, 1660-79 * Peace and Absolutism, 1679-96 * The Death-knell of Swedish Power, 1696-1721 * Index * Maps * Illustrations