The Age of Freedom in Sweden: A Time of Change (1718-1772)

The Age of Freedom in Sweden, from 1718 to 1772, was an important time. It brought lots of changes, especially in the economy and democracy.

1. Economic Growth:

   • In 1718, Sweden had about 1.5 million people. By 1800, that number grew to about 2.5 million.
   • More people meant more need for resources and a voice in politics.
   • Sweden started producing more goods like iron and timber. By the mid-1700s, they were exporting over 100,000 tons of iron.

2. Rise of the Middle Class:

   • A new middle class, known as the bourgeoisie, began to have more influence.
   • Thanks to trade and industry, more people moved to cities.
   • By 1750, around 25% of the population lived in urban areas and wanted more say in their government.

3. Political Reforms:

   • The growing power of the middle class pushed for changes in the government.
   • The Freedom of the Press Act was introduced in 1766. This allowed people to discuss ideas freely, helping democracy grow.
   • The Riksdag (parliament) started to include more common people. The number of representatives from the middle class doubled, meaning more voices were heard.

4. Impact on Democracy:

   • These economic changes helped create modern democratic beliefs.
   • The time saw more discussions about fairness and involvement in politics.
   • By 1800, changes made voting more inclusive, which encouraged more people to participate in their government.

In short, the economic changes during the Age of Freedom were crucial for shaping democracy in Sweden. They helped create a system where more people had a say and could participate in politics.