During the Great Power Era, which lasted from 1611 to 1718, Sweden went through some big changes that helped it become a strong European country. Here are some important points:
More Money from Taxes: The Swedish government made tax changes that helped it earn more money. In the early 1600s, the country's yearly tax income went up from about 1.5 million dalers to around 6 million dalers by the late 1670s. This extra money helped Sweden pay for its military.
Growth of Trade: Sweden improved its trading, especially in iron and timber (wood). In the early 1600s, the country produced around 20,000 tons of iron. By the late 1700s, this amount grew to over 150,000 tons. This made Sweden a top seller of iron in Europe. The timber trade also grew because it was very important for building ships.
Smart Economic Choices: Sweden started using mercantilist policies, which helped gather more money for the country. For example, in 1731, the Swedish East India Company was created. This opened up new trade routes and brought in valuable products.
Industry Growth: New ideas in mining and metalworking made production more efficient. The number of mines in Sweden jumped from about 30 in the early 1600s to over 200 by the late 1700s.
Funding the Military: A strong economy meant Sweden could keep a powerful military. During the Great Northern War, military spending reached about 50% of the government’s total income.
These economic changes helped Sweden grow stronger, making it a significant power in Northern Europe during the Great Power Era.
During the Great Power Era, which lasted from 1611 to 1718, Sweden went through some big changes that helped it become a strong European country. Here are some important points:
More Money from Taxes: The Swedish government made tax changes that helped it earn more money. In the early 1600s, the country's yearly tax income went up from about 1.5 million dalers to around 6 million dalers by the late 1670s. This extra money helped Sweden pay for its military.
Growth of Trade: Sweden improved its trading, especially in iron and timber (wood). In the early 1600s, the country produced around 20,000 tons of iron. By the late 1700s, this amount grew to over 150,000 tons. This made Sweden a top seller of iron in Europe. The timber trade also grew because it was very important for building ships.
Smart Economic Choices: Sweden started using mercantilist policies, which helped gather more money for the country. For example, in 1731, the Swedish East India Company was created. This opened up new trade routes and brought in valuable products.
Industry Growth: New ideas in mining and metalworking made production more efficient. The number of mines in Sweden jumped from about 30 in the early 1600s to over 200 by the late 1700s.
Funding the Military: A strong economy meant Sweden could keep a powerful military. During the Great Northern War, military spending reached about 50% of the government’s total income.
These economic changes helped Sweden grow stronger, making it a significant power in Northern Europe during the Great Power Era.