Sverige under första världskriget förklarat | HISTORIA | Gymnasienivå

Summary

The script explores Sweden's experience during World War I, focusing on the country's neutral stance amidst the war's devastation. It highlights the contrasts between the old and new societal structures, with Sweden undergoing industrial and social changes. Despite neutrality, Sweden faced severe economic hardships, including hunger, rationing, and limited access to goods due to naval blockades. The script also discusses political unrest, the influence of the Russian Revolution, and the eventual impact of the war on Sweden’s identity as a humanitarian nation, which emerged from the conflict with a new self-image.

Takeaways

• 😀 The First World War marked a shift between the old and new worlds, with the brutality of the war symbolizing the end of the old societal order and the beginning of a new Europe.
• 😀 Sweden remained neutral during the war but still faced significant impacts, such as shortages of food and resources due to disruptions in international trade.
• 😀 The war caused severe hardships in Sweden, including widespread hunger and rationing, leading to a society struggling with the scarcity of basic goods like potatoes.
• 😀 At the time of the First World War, Sweden was undergoing significant social and industrial changes, moving away from its agrarian roots towards urbanization and modernization.
• 😀 Sweden had a strong relationship with Germany, but it also faced tensions with Russia, which was part of the Eastern bloc under the Tsar, a system few Swedes sympathized with.
• 😀 Sweden maintained a strict policy of neutrality during the war, declaring itself non-combatant but still facing the consequences of nearby naval conflicts between Britain and Germany.
• 😀 The war's impact on Swedish trade was devastating, especially because most of the country's international trade relied on sea transport, which was increasingly unsafe due to submarine warfare.
• 😀 The introduction of rationing systems in Sweden, such as the use of food coupons, was meant to ensure fair distribution of scarce resources, though inequality still prevailed.
• 😀 As a result of the scarcity, people turned to alternative products, like a coffee substitute made from chicory, and parks were repurposed for food cultivation.
• 😀 The war, combined with the spread of the Spanish flu, further weakened Sweden’s population, contributing to a national crisis that was compounded by social unrest and hunger protests.
• 😀 Despite Sweden’s neutrality, its humanitarian efforts during the war, such as offering transit for wounded soldiers through the country, helped shape Sweden’s self-image as a neutral, peace-promoting nation.

Q & A

How did the First World War mark the end of an era in Europe?

The First World War was seen as a break from the old society, with its brutality and barbarity signaling the end of traditional systems in Europe. The war's aftermath led to a new world order and a reshaping of Europe's political and social landscape.

What role did Sweden play in the First World War?

Sweden remained neutral during the war, declaring itself non-combatant, despite being geographically close to the conflict. However, Sweden was indirectly affected by the war through trade disruptions, food shortages, and naval battles occurring in nearby waters.

What social changes were taking place in Sweden before the First World War?

Before the war, Sweden was undergoing industrialization, with increasing urbanization and a shift away from an agrarian society. There were also social reforms, such as the extension of voting rights to all men, and significant emigration to the United States.

How did Sweden's economy suffer during the war?

Sweden's economy was severely impacted by the war, especially due to the disruption of international trade. With the imposition of naval blockades and the increased danger in Swedish waters, Sweden experienced food shortages, rations, and inflation.

How did Sweden deal with food shortages during the war?

In response to food shortages, Sweden introduced a rationing system in 1916, where citizens had to present coupons to buy limited amounts of certain goods. This was aimed at ensuring fair distribution, though black market activities also emerged, with individuals profiting from the scarcity.

What was the impact of the submarine warfare declared by Germany?

Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare in early 1917 had devastating effects on Swedish trade. Many Swedish ships were targeted and sunk by German U-boats, leading to further food shortages and economic difficulties in Sweden.

How did Sweden's neutrality influence its identity during the war?

Sweden's neutrality, while not without challenges, contributed to a shift in national identity. The country became seen as a humanitarian power, helping to transport war casualties and serving as a neutral ground for military invalids. This fostered a positive image of Sweden as a peaceful and neutral nation.

What were the 'hunger uprisings' in Sweden and what inspired them?

The 'hunger uprisings' in Sweden were protests, particularly led by women, demanding affordable food and social reforms such as universal suffrage and an 8-hour workday. These uprisings were partly inspired by the Russian Revolution and the hunger crisis Sweden faced during the war.

How did the Russian Revolution affect Sweden?

The Russian Revolution of 1917 had a ripple effect in Sweden, with increased social unrest and hunger-related protests. It also contributed to Sweden's growing awareness of the need for political and social reforms, as it highlighted the discontent among the lower classes in Europe.

What were the long-term impacts of the First World War on Sweden?

The long-term impacts of the First World War on Sweden included political and social reforms, such as the introduction of women's suffrage and a shorter working day. The war also marked the beginning of Sweden's self-image as a neutral, humanitarian power, which would shape its foreign policy for decades.