Page 51 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sweden

THE HIST OR Y OF SWEDEN  49

The policy of non-alignment has not
The War Years
proved an obstacle to Swedish
Sweden declared its neutrality during both World Wars involvement on the international
I and II. Its policy of continuing to trade with nations
involved in the conflict during World War I provoked scene, including the United Nations.
a number of countries into imposing a trade The country has offered asylum to
blockade on Sweden. The situation became so serious
that hunger riots broke out in hundreds of thousands of refugees
some towns. from wars and political oppression.
World War II proved an even Prime Minister Olof Palme (1927–86),
more difficult balancing
exercise for Swedish neutrality, probably the best-known Swedish
largely because its Nordic politician abroad, was deeply involved
neighbours were at war. in questions of democracy and
Through a combination of luck
and skill, Sweden remained disarmament, as well as the problems
outside the conflict, but the of the Third World. He was renowned
concessions it had to make
Neutrality stamp were strongly criticized both for condemning undemocratic acts
issued in 1942 nationally and internationally. by right-wing and left-wing dictators.
Palme’s assassination on the streets
of Stockholm in 1986 sent shock
These areas soon became known as waves across the world. The murder has
the “new slums” despite high standards still not been solved.
of construction. Important changes took place during
the closing decades of the 20th century.
The Postwar Era These included a new constitution in 1974
Although the Social Democrats dominated which removed the monarch’s political
government from the 1930s to the 1970s, powers. In 1995 Sweden joined the
the socialist and non-socialist power blocs European Union after a referendum
in Swedish politics have remained fairly approved entry by a narrow majority.
evenly matched since World War II. The start of the new millen nium marked
a change in the role of the church in
Sweden, which severed its ties with the
state after more than 400 years.
Sweden weathered the global financial
crisis, which began in 2007, relatively
well, with most nationals continuing to
lead a good, socially secure life. Rapid
technical developments and globalization
have given Sweden new job opportunities
and new inhabitants, as well as a
leading international role in technology
The centre of Vällingby, which attracted attention among city
planners worldwide in the 1950s and innovation.
1974 The monarch loses 2000 Öresund 2003 Sweden rejects the euro
all political powers Bridge opens
between 2009 Swedish 2013 King Carl XVI
1980 New constitution Denmark and becomes the Gustaf celebrates
gives women the right of Sweden official 40 years as Crown Princess
succession to the throne language reigning monarch Victoria
1980 2000 2020
1964 Art exhibition at 1986 Prime Minister Olof 1995 Sweden 2003 Foreign Minister 2016 Crown Princess Victoria gives
Moderna Museet shows Palme murdered joins European Anna Lindh murdered birth to her second child, Prince Oscar
works by Andy Warhol, in Stockholm Union in Stockholm
Roy Lichtenstein and 1973 Gustav VI Adolf dies and is succeeded 2000 Swedish church 2012 Crown Princess Victoria gives birth to Princess
Claes Oldenburg by his grandson, Carl XVI Gustaf separates from the state Estelle, who becomes second in line to the throne

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