Denmark, 1513-1660: The Rise and Decline
1) Denmark, 1513-1660: The Rise and Decline of a Renaissance Monarchy – Paul Douglas Lockhart
Oxford University Press | 2007 | PDF
One of the largest states in Europe and the greatest of the Protestant powers, Denmark in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries was at the height of its influence. Embracing Norway, Iceland, portions of southern Sweden and northern Germany, the Danish monarchy dominated the vital Baltic trade. However, its geopolitical importance far exceeded its modest resources. Paul Douglas Lockhart examines the short and perhaps unlikely career of Denmark as the major power of northern Europe, exploring its rise to the forefront of European affairs and its subsequent decline in fortunes following its disastrous involvement in the Thirty Years’ War.
Using the latest research from Danish and other Scandinavian scholars Lockhart focuses on key issues, from the dynamic role of the Oldenburg monarchy in bringing about Denmark’s “European integration”, to the impact of the Protestant Reformation on Danish culture. The multi-national character of the Danish monarchy is explored in-depth, in particular how the Oldenburg kings of Denmark sought to establish their authority over their sizable-and oftentimes contentious-Norwegian, Icelandic, and German minorities. Denmark’s participation in international politics and commerce is also investigated, along with the power struggle between Denmark and its rival Sweden over Baltic dominion, and the Danes’ unique approach to internal governance.
2) Sweden in the Seventeenth Century – Paul Douglas Lockhart
Palgrave | 2004 | PDF
The history of Sweden in the seventeenth century is perhaps one of the most remarkable political success stories of early modern Europe. Little more than a century after achieving independence from Denmark, Sweden – an impoverished and sparsely-populated state – had defeated all of its most fearsome enemies and was ranked amongst the great powers of Europe.
In this book, which incorporates the latest research on the subject, Paul Douglas Lockhart:
• surveys the political, diplomatic, economic, social and cultural history of the country, from the beginnings of its career as an empire to its decline at the end of the seventeenth century
• examines the mechanisms that helped Sweden to achieve the status of a great power, and the reasons for its eventual downfall
• emphasises the interplay between social structure, constitutional development, and military necessity
Clear and well-written, Lockhart’s text is essential reading for all those with an interest in the fascinating history of early modern Sweden.
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Sweden in the Seventeenth Century.pdf
