Scots and the Swedish state : diplomacy, military service and ennoblement 1611-1660
This thesis re-evaluates the nature and impact of seventeenth-century Scottish-Swedish relations, as regards military, diplomatic and noble involvement during the Thirty Years' War and in terms of Scottish domestic political developments between 1638 and 1660. The innovative <I>Scotland, Scandinavia and Northern Europe, 1580-1707</I> database forms an integral part of the statistical analysis comparing the significant Scottish military presence in both the Swedish army and navy to the paucity of English and Irish involvement. Sweden's re-emergence as an independent nation capable of militarily subduing and economically influencing Europe in the seventeenth century is traced from its early sixteenth century role as a minor northern dependent of the Scandinavian Kalmar union. This is contrasted with Scotland's gradual merging with England in a regal union where opportunities for social advancement, particularly through ennoblement, were reduced and new positions were sought abroad. Scottish success in entering the highest ranks of Swedish society is linked to the development of a strong and influential Scottish network in Sweden. With the waning of royal authority experienced in Sweden and Scotland during the
Grosjean, Alexia N. L.
Seventeenth century; Thirty Years War
Scots and the Swedish state : diplomacy, military service and ennoblement 1611-1660. This thesis re-evaluates the nature and impact of seventeenth-century Scottish-Swedish relations, as regards military, diplomatic and noble involvement during the Thirty Years' War and in terms of Scottish domestic political developments between 1638 and 1660. The innovative <I>Scotland, Scandinavia and Northern Europe, 1580-1707</I> database forms an integral part of the statistical analysis comparing the significant Scottish military presence in both the Swedish army and navy to the paucity of English and Irish involvement. Sweden's re-emergence as an independent nation capable of militarily subduing and economically influencing Europe in the seventeenth century is traced from its early sixteenth century role as a minor northern dependent of the Scandinavian Kalmar union. This is contrasted with Scotland's gradual merging with England in a regal union where opportunities for social advancement, particularly through ennoblement, were reduced and new positions were sought abroad. Scottish success in entering the highest ranks of Swedish society is linked to the development of a strong and influential Scottish network in Sweden. With the waning of royal authority experienced in Sweden and Scotland during the
scots swedish state diplomacy military_service re_evaluates nature impact seventeenth_century scottish swedish relation regard military diplomatic noble involvement term scottish domestic_political development innovative scotland scandinavia northern_europe database form_integral part statistical_analysis compare significant scottish military presence swedish army navy paucity english irish involvement sweden re_emergence independent nation capable militarily economically influence europe role minor northern dependent scandinavian union contrast scotland gradual england regal union opportunity social advancement particularly reduce new position seek abroad scottish success enter high rank swedish society link development strong influential scottish network sweden wan royal_authority experience sweden scotland