User:OnBeyondZebrax/sandbox/History of Sweden

During the 11th and 12th centuries, Sweden gradually became a unified Christian kingdom that later included Finland. During the early Middle Ages, the Swedish state also expanded to control Norrland and Finland. In the 16th century, Gustav Vasa fought for an independent Sweden and broke with the papacy, establishing a reformed church. During the 17th century, after winning wars against Denmark, Russia, and Poland, Sweden–Finland emerged as a great power by taking direct control of the Baltic region. Sweden's role in the Thirty Years' War determined the political as well as the religious balance of power in Europe. Sweden attained status as a Great Power. The Russians won decisively in 1709, capturing much of the Swedish army. Sweden joined in the Enlightenment culture of the day in the arts, architecture, science and learning. Between 1570 and 1800 Sweden experienced two periods of urban expansion. Finland was lost to Russia in a war in 1808-1809. Sweden transformed from a stagnant rural society to a vibrant industrial society between the 1860s and 1910.

With a broader voting franchise, the nation saw the emergence of three major party groups – Social Democrat, Liberal, and Conservative. Sweden was neutral in World War I. During the war and the 1920s its industries expanded to meet the European demand for Swedish steel, ball bearings, wood pulp, and matches. Post-war prosperity provided the foundations for the social welfare policies characteristic of modern Sweden. Sweden created a successful model of democratic socialism. Sweden remained neutral during World War II, avoiding the fate of occupied Norway. Sweden was one of the first non-participants of World War II to join the United Nations (in 1946). Apart from this, the country tried to stay out of alliances and remain officially neutral during the entire Cold War; it never joined NATO. The social democratic party held government for 44 years (1932–1976). The 1976 parliamentary elections brought a liberal/right-wing coalition to power.