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Kalmar Union
Home » Sweden » Stockholm Overview and History » Kalmar UnionDuring the 15th century, Swedish citizens were divided into two groups: Pro-unionists and anti-unionists. The pro-unionists were in favor of the current ruling system known as the Kalmar Union. This Kalmar Union consisted of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway but was mainly ruled by Denmark at this time. The anti-unionists opposed the Kalmar Union and wanted Sweden to be independent.
Since Stockholm was of such economic importance, it played a vital part among the Danish Kings of the Kalmar Union and the independence movement in the 15th century. In 1471, Swedish leader Sten Sture achieved an enormous victory over the Danish king Christian I. He would then achieve another large victory, but soon fell to Danish Forces. Sweden was then forced to honor King Christian, but an agreement was made that the King would not punish anyone for going against him in the past and that he would allow Sweden to be run the same way it already was.
However, on November 8, 1520, Christian held massive executions of the opposition figures, and the day was named the Stockholm Bloodbath. This massacre set off further uprisings, however, which led to the break-up of the Kalmar Union.
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