Abstract: The seventeenth century was the first time that Sweden truly emerged as a European power. Sweden’s military exploits during this period have often been thrust to the foreground, while the nation’s role as a guarantor of the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, is repeatedly cited as an example of such newfound geopolitical status. Yet the backbone of Sweden’s European, and indeed its global influence during its so called “Age of Greatness”, was actually founded on a unique commercial portfolio of export commodities. This paper explores how Sweden attained, maintained, and exploited its access to such goods to elevate its position to a global power. 

Bio: Adam Grimshaw (PhD, University of St Andrews) is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Helsinki. His first monograph titled ”Anglo-Swedish Commercial Connections and Diplomatic Relations in the Seventeenth Century” was published by Brill in 2023. He is currently researching eighteenth century trade and smuggling practices in the northern world as part of a University of Helsinki funded postdoctoral project.

Register for the seminar here.