händelsetiden

Händelsetiden, literally translated as "the time of events," is a term used in Swedish historiography to describe the period of rapid and significant changes that occurred in Sweden during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. This era is characterized by major political, social, and economic transformations that fundamentally reshaped the Swedish state and its place in Europe.

Key events defining händelsetiden include the Great Northern War (1700-1721), which saw Sweden transition from a major European power to a secondary one. This protracted conflict, initiated by King Charles XII, had profound consequences for the Swedish economy and population. The war's conclusion led to the loss of Swedish overseas territories and a shift in political power within Sweden.

Following the death of Charles XII in 1718, a new political system known as the Age of Liberty (Frihetstiden) began. This period marked a significant reduction in royal power and an increase in the influence of the Riksdag (parliament). This constitutional shift was a direct consequence of the stresses and strains of the preceding military campaigns.

The economic and social structures of Sweden also underwent considerable change. The constant demands of warfare, coupled with the eventual peace, led to reevaluations of taxation, trade, and internal administration. While often viewed through the lens of military and political events, händelsetiden also encompassed developments in areas such as science, culture, and the early stages of industrialization, laying groundwork for future Swedish development. The term emphasizes the dynamic and often tumultuous nature of this transformative period.