VASA LODGE 755, MADISON, WI

Sweden a great European power 11/08/2009 Sweden's rise to power during the 17th century

The thirty year war

Scott Mellor, senior lecturer of Scandinavian studies at University of Wisconsin, Madison will speak on Sweden's rise to power during the thirty year wars

Dr. Mellor has provided the following as an introduction to his presentation

During the 17th century, Sweden became one of the major players in European history.

Sweden was heavily involved in the 30 years war and was the major power in defense of the protestant faith. However, though Sweden was the defender of the Protestant faith, she was also allied with France and, though momentarily, had a Catholic queen who was also the center of culture in Sweden during the beginning of the 17th century.

To understand how Sweden got into this position we must understand the reformation and the situation at the beginning of the 16th century. This take will start with a look at the reformation, Sweden's rise to power, and the international issues of the 17th century.