“Stockholm Bloodbath” Begins
The "Stockholm Bloodbath" refers to a significant and tragic event that took place on November 8, 1520, when King Christian II of Denmark ordered the execution of around 80 Swedish nobles, clergy, and townspeople. This brutal act occurred in the context of Christian's controversial ascension to the throne of Sweden, which faced strong opposition from Swedish nationalists. Following his invasion and capture of Stockholm, Christian had promised an amnesty to his opponents, yet he ultimately reversed his stance, leading to the mass execution that characterized the bloodbath.
The aftermath of this event was pivotal for Sweden, prompting a rebellion that culminated in Gustavus Vasa's rise to power in 1523 as King Gustav I, thereby dissolving the Union of Kalmar, which had unified Denmark, Norway, and Sweden since 1397. The repercussions also affected Denmark, as Christian faced rebellions from his own nobles. His eventual defeat and imprisonment marked the end of his reign. The Stockholm Bloodbath remains a critical moment in Swedish history, symbolizing the struggle for national identity and autonomy in the face of external dominance.
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“Stockholm Bloodbath” Begins
“Stockholm Bloodbath” Begins
On November 8, 1520, King Christian II of Denmark ordered the execution of approximately 80 Swedish nobles, clergy, and townspeople in what became known as the Stockholm Bloodbath. Christian, born on July 1, 1481, in Nyborg Castle, Denmark, to King John, succeeded to both the thrones of Denmark and Norway on July 22, 1513. He did so pursuant to the Union of Kalmar, formed in 1397 by Queen Margaret I, whereby the thrones of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden were united. However, succession to the Swedish throne had to be confirmed by an election, dominated by the peerage and the clergy. Facing resistance to his ascension by Swedish nationalists, Christian invaded Sweden and took the capital, Stockholm, in 1520 in a negotiated surrender; then, although he had promised an amnesty, he ordered a mass purge of his former opponents.
However, this Stockholm Bloodbath backfired on Christian. A rebellion led to Gustavus Vasa taking the throne in 1523 as King Gustav I, which ended the Union of Kalmar as far as Sweden was concerned, although Denmark and Norway would remain united until 1814. Danish nobles rebelled against Christian in 1523 as well and replaced him with his uncle, who became King Frederick I. Christian attempted to rally support, particularly from his brother-in-law, the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, and went to Norway with his forces in 1531. There he was defeated in 1532 and imprisoned for the rest of his life. He died on January 25, 1559, in Kalundborg Castle, Denmark.