A Union Dissolved and a Kingdom Restored with Byron Nordstrom

In celebration of the 500th anniversary of Sweden, join retired professor of History and Scandinavian Studies Byron Nordstrom for a talk on one of the most pivotal moments in Swedish history. Learn about Sweden’s decision to join the Kalmar Union in 1397 and the ensuing revolt that reestablished Sweden as an independent kingdom.

In 1397, Sweden joined the kingdoms of Denmark and Norway in the Kalmar Union–an arrangement that was troubled from the outset. Repeatedly the Swedes rose in revolt against the centralizing efforts of Denmark. One of Sweden’s national heroes, Gustav Eriksson Vasa, led the last of these revolts, which led to the end of the union, the expulsion of the Danes, and the re-establishment of Sweden as an independent kingdom. Join Byron to explore the history of this pivotal moment in Swedish history.

Byron Nordstrom is a long-time docent/facilitator at ASI. He holds a B.A. from Lawrence University and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. He was a long-time Professor of History and Scandinavian Studies at Gustavus Adolphus College. Byron has authored several books on Scandinavia and Sweden. Editor of The Swedish American Historical Quarterly for nineteen years. The second edition of his Scandinavia since 1500 is scheduled to come out from U of MN Press this Spring.