Anslutningsläger

Anslutningsläger, also known as "concentration camps" in English, were a type of detention facility used during the Swedish Civil War of 1813–1814. These camps were established by the Swedish government to isolate and control suspected supporters of the rival Danish-Norwegian forces during the conflict. The term *anslutningsläger* literally translates to "association camps," referring to the idea that those detained were seen as potential threats to national unity.

The camps were primarily located in the southern and central parts of Sweden, particularly in regions with a strong Danish-Norwegian influence. Conditions in these facilities varied, but many were overcrowded and lacked adequate food, water, and medical care. The purpose was not primarily to punish but to prevent further unrest and ensure loyalty to the Swedish cause. Detainees included civilians suspected of sympathizing with the Danish-Norwegian side, as well as soldiers who had defected or refused to swear allegiance to the Swedish king.

Historical accounts suggest that mortality rates in some camps were high due to disease and poor living conditions. After the war ended with a Swedish victory, most detainees were released, though some faced further scrutiny or punishment. The camps were later dismantled, and their existence has been studied as part of Sweden’s early 19th-century political and military history.

Today, *anslutningsläger* are primarily discussed in academic and historical contexts, serving as a reminder of the challenges faced during Sweden’s turbulent transition period. The term is rarely used in modern Swedish discourse, as it is associated with a specific historical context rather than contemporary issues.