800-1050 A D
The Viking Age. It is the time of history when Scandinavian Norsemen traveled Europe by its oceans and rivers for trade and pillaging.
- Vikings were pictured as extremely violent and bloodthirsty. The start of the Viking Age began with the attack of Lindisfarne.
- The Scandinavians had a desire for goods. Therefore, this led Scandinavians to look for trade partnerships all around Europe.
- At times, the Scandinavians were often ridiculed by Christian merchants because they wouldn't trade or do business with the Scandinavians because they were Norse.
- Other Christian traders would get preferential treatment. There were different prices for people who weren't christian than people who were christian.
- This angered the Scandinavians. Thus they pillaged and killed the monks at Lindisfarne and took all their goods and treasures.
900
Sweden becomes unified. Olof Skötkonung is the first king.
- Olof was baptized Christian and remained Christian until his death.
- He was the first king in Sweden to be and stay Christian until his death.
- The majority of Swedes were Pagan forcing Olof to limit Christian activities.
1050
Sweden becomes Christianized.
- Sweden was originally pagan in some parts.
- This time also ends the period of the viking age.
- Now the trade for Sweden is opening up. Wars continued to affect Sweden.
- Then the plague drove them deeper into despair.
1812
Sweden acquires its present day borders. This is also the last time Sweden was engaged in war.
- Sweden lost Finland to the Russians.
- Later with the Napoleonic wars, Sweden defeated the french. They gained the country of Norway.
- The industrial revolution followed which repaired their economy which helped them focus on the internal affairs in their country.
1939-45
Sweden remained neutral during World War II.
- The Germans occupied Sweden during WW2. They were forced to turn over their production and supplies to the German army.
- As they try to keep their neutral roles, they have since aided in a peace keeping role.