fromtheglossypages.com

As a result of eighteen years of war, Sweden gained small and scattered possessions, but had secured control of three principal rivers in north Germany the Oder, the Elbe and the Weser and gained toll-collection rights for those great commercial arteries. Two principal reasons for the small reparations were France’s jealousy and Queen Christina of Sweden’s impatience. As a result of Sweden’s intervention, Sweden secured religious liberty in Europe for Protestants; and this remains Sweden’s greatest political achievement, becoming the recognized leader of Continental Protestantism for 90 years, until the Empire’s collapse. The elevation of Sweden to the rank of an imperial power required that it remain a military monarchy, armed for possible emergency. Sweden’s poverty and sparse population meant the country was ill-suited for imperial status.