The Age of Freedom in Sweden lasted from 1718 to 1772. This was a key time for Swedish democracy. It started after King Charles XII died and saw a big change in power: the monarchy's control shifted to the parliament, called the Riksdag. During this time, popular movements were important in changing ideas about democracy, encouraging people to get involved in politics, and fighting for individual rights.

The Shift in Power

• Riksdag: The Riksdag is Sweden's parliament. It changed to include more representatives from everyday people. This meant more voices were heard in government. By the 1770s, the Riksdag had four groups: the nobility (rich landowners), clergy (church leaders), burghers (townspeople), and peasants (farmers).

• Voting Rights: Back then, only about 10% of the population could vote, mostly from the upper classes. But as popular movements grew stronger, this started to change.

Influential Movements

1. The Freedom of the Press Act (1766):

   • This law allowed freedom of the press, meaning more information and ideas could be shared. It helped people express their opinions and talk about political issues more openly.
   • Result: Sweden was one of the first countries to have this kind of law, making sure that people could learn and have a voice in politics.

2. The Rise of Political Clubs:

   • Many clubs and groups formed where citizens could meet and talk about changes they wanted to see in their government.
   • Impact: Membership grew quickly, with estimates showing over 50,000 people were involved by the late 1700s. This showed a growing interest in being active in politics.

3. Peasant Movements:

   • Farmers began to organize themselves and fight for their rights against the powerful nobility.
   • Example: The 1766 peasant uprising in Värmland showed the discontent among farmers and their ability to come together for change.

The Role of Enlightenment Thought

• The Age of Enlightenment also had a big impact on politics in Sweden. Thinkers like Rousseau and Montesquieu inspired ideas about freedom, equality, and the social contract.
• These ideas resonated with popular movements, leading to more demands for political changes and contributing to the push for a democratic government.

Legislative Changes

• In 1809, after a coup against King Charles XIII, Sweden adopted a new constitution that made democracy stronger.
• The constitution created a separation of powers, meaning no single group had all the power. It also introduced an independent judiciary (the courts) and a bicameral legislature (two houses of parliament).
• Over time, more people became eligible to vote, opening the door to greater participation.

Lasting Impact

• By the late 1800s, popular movements had dramatically shaped Sweden's democracy. Men gained the right to vote in 1866, and women followed in 1921.
• By the 1920 elections, about 60% of adults could vote, a huge increase from the 10% in the 1700s.

In summary, popular movements during the Age of Freedom helped change Sweden from a monarchy to a democratic society. Key rights like freedom of the press, the rise of political activism, and ideas from the Enlightenment all created a space for democracy to grow. The changes made during this time laid the groundwork for today's democratic system in Sweden, allowing citizens to have a say in their governance. These movements created a foundation that would shape Swedish society for the years to come.