Swedish History: The Worst Days in National Memory

Sweden, a country known for its progressive and humane policies, has also witnessed some of the darkest days in its history. This article delves into some of the most significant and tragic events that have shaped the nation. From the bloodthirsty Stockholm Bloodbath to the brutality of the Great Northern War, we explore the historical context and impacts of these events. Additionally, we will touch upon lesser-known yet equally tragic incidents like the 1944 Train Disaster and the 2017 Stockholm Attack. Each event had profound and far-reaching consequences, influencing Swedish society, politics, and national identity.

The Stockholm Bloodbath (Stockholms Blodbad)

One of the most notorious and brutal events in Swedish history is the Stockholm Bloodbath that occurred on November 7-9, 1520. This event, known as Stockholms blodbad, took place during a period of intense political struggle when the Danish King Christian II captured Stockholm. He ordered the execution of around 80-100 Swedish nobles and supporters of the Swedish independence movement.

After defeating the Sturepartiet, King Christian II invited the Swedish nobles to a coronation party. The nobles were eventually detained, tried, and many were executed in Stockholm, starting with bishops and followed by councilors and other high-ranking officials, including the father of Gustav Vasa, who would later become the first king of a newly independent Sweden. This brutal act reinforced anti-Danish sentiments and significantly contributed to the Swedish War of Liberation.

The Great Northern War (1700-1721)

The Great Northern War, a series of conflicts between 1700 and 1721, had devastating effects on Sweden. Despite not being a single day, the war marked a turning point in Swedish history, leading to the country's decline as a major European power. The Battle of Poltava in 1709, where a Swedish army suffered a catastrophic defeat against the Russian Tsar, demonstrated the decline of Swedish military power. This event marked the end of Swedish supremacy in Northern Europe and significantly altered the balance of power in the region.

The 1944 Train Disaster (?sta Trainsmedelbombning)

While more recent, the 1944 Train Disaster in Asta, Sweden, remains one of the most devastating events in the country's recent history. On September 17, 1944, a passenger train collided with a freight train, resulting in 42 deaths and many injuries. Despite being an isolated incident, this accident had a profound impact on Swedish railway safety regulations and memorialized as a tragic reminder of the dangers of railway travel during World War II.

The 2017 Stockholm Attack (Stockholms Angrepp)

On April 7, 2017, a tragic terrorist attack took place in central Stockholm. A truck was driven into a crowded area, killing five people and injuring many others. This attack had a profound impact on Swedish society and security policies, prompting strengthening of security measures and increased awareness of the need for preparedness against terrorist threats.

Lesser-Known but Equally Tragic Incidents

November 28, 1709: Battle of Poltava
While less well-known than the Battle of Poltava, this historical event proved to be a turning point. The battle resulted in a significant defeat for the Swedish army, with nearly half of the 19,700 valiant soldiers losing their lives on June 28, 1709. This defeat marked the decline of Sweden as a great European power.

June 1, 1675: Torsker Witch Hunt
This incident, starting on June 1, 1675, saw 71 innocent people, including 65 women, 2 men, and 4 boys, executed for allegations of witchcraft in Torsker Dal and Ytterlnns parishes. This event highlights the brutal nature of societal superstitions and the severe consequences of wrongful accusations in the 17th century.

December 4, 1676: Battle of Lund
The Battle of Lund, occurring on December 4, 1676, is one of the bloodiest battles in Nordic history. The combat resulted in approximately 9,000 Danish soldiers and 5,000 Swedish soldiers losing their lives. This event marks a significant turning point in the Scanian War and has left a lasting impact on Swedish military history.

July 6, 1808: Fall of Sveaborg
The Finnish War, which began in 1808, started poorly for the Swedes. On July 6, the fortress Sveaborg unexpectedly surrendered to Russian troops in southern Finland, marking the beginning of a period of significant military setbacks for Sweden.

July 1867: Famine in Southern Sweden
This famine, which lasted from 1867 to 1869, resulted in significant distress and emigration. The prolonged lack of rain in the southern part of Sweden led to widespread crop failures, and emigration to the United States soared, with about 60,000 Swedes leaving the country in these three years alone. The famine had long-lasting economic and social impacts on Swedish society.

Swedish Economic Crises

October 3, 1990: Swedish Banking Crisis
The Swedish banking crisis of 1990-1993 was a severe economic downturn that impacted the entire country. The crisis began with the financial and real estate company Nyckeln, owned by Anders Walls Beijer Capital Munksj and the Bonnier Group, suspending payments in October 1990. By 1993, nearly 2,000 real estate companies had gone bankrupt, and about 200 financial companies had failed due to their investments in real estate and shares. This event led to a 5% decrease in GDP between 1990 and 1993, significant increases in unemployment, and substantial government spending to stabilize the economy.