From the political landscape of Sweden in the early 16th century, it can be seen that Gustav Vasa, a young aristocrat who had not yet officially entered his political career, seemed to be just an ordinary figure. In 1517, the young Gustav Vasa followed his father Erikson in the war against Danish rule.
The following year, due to Sweden's defeat in the war, when King Christian II of Denmark attacked Stockholm, he took the captured Gustav Vasa as one of the hostages to Denmark. In 1519, he managed to escape. In 1520, he managed to return to Sweden under the protection of the German city of Lübeck.
King Christian II of Denmark and his army had already won a major victory against Sweden in 1518, and Christian II ascended the throne in early November 1518 in order to stabilize the power against the Danish monarch in Sweden.
While holding a series of celebrations, he created the Stockholm Massacre, a "feast for the alternative" that brutally suppressed opponents, in which more than 100 opponents were killed, including Gustav Vasa's father Eriksen.
The famous religious reformer Olaus Petri described the catastrophe as "a ruthless murder." He lamented in a very passionate tone: "No prince named after Christ [before Christian II] has ever caused such a disaster." ”
The "bloodbath in Stockholm" tragedy shocked the whole of Sweden, the people's indignation was instantly ignited, the huge independence movement called for it, and the fierce wave of resistance continued to rise. In the eyes of people at the time, they may not have realized that "this is about to become the event that will determine the fate of the northern countries." ”
However, Christian II, the perpetrator of the tragedy, may have learned from the surging protests in various parts of Sweden the indignation and resistance of the Swedish people. The situation in Sweden at this time was completely contrary to his intention to restore the rule of the Kalmar Union over Sweden and establish the "Greater Nordic Kingdom".
Despite witnessing the atrocities of Christian II and the Danes, the young Gustav Vasa eventually escaped from the "bloodbath of Stockholm". He sneaked back to Sweden, and by the time he reached Dalarna Province, he had once again succeeded in assembling an army loyal to him.
The support of both the population and the economic and military assistance of the Hanseatic League was crucial for Gustav Vasa, who was gathering strength at the time. From 1521 onwards, Gustav Vasa's leadership and military prowess began to emerge, and he became the leader of the War of Independence on the recommendation of the people and nobility.
He then launched a military campaign against Christian II in Dalarna Province, and the outbreak of war fueled the Swedish people's desire for independence and liberation.
When future generations began to recall and remember Gustav Vasa and his time, he often became the protagonist of the authors' heroic biographies. Under the leadership of Gustav Vasa, a young nobleman, the armed resistance that broke out in Dalarna province culminated in a resounding victory for the Swedish army.
Subsequent revolts were emboldened in other parts of Sweden and revolts broke out. In 1521, an army led by Gustav Vasa marched on Stockholm, and Christian II was forced to retreat and flee back to Denmark.
The liberation movement, led by Gustav Vasa, won the broad support and participation of all strata of people from all over Sweden and achieved remarkable results.
By 1523, the situation in Sweden had changed radically, by which time Gustav Vasa's rebel army had gained absolute superiority, and his rebel army had occupied most of Sweden except for the most important cities, Stockholm and Kalmar, which were still under the control of the Danish monarchs.
On June 6 of the same year, Gustav Vasa, who had been elected king in parliament, finally led his army into Stockholm amid the support and cheers of the people, opening a new chapter in Swedish history.
Although for Sweden, a young sovereign country that was devastated by war and devastated at that time, the current stable situation seemed to have settled compared to the turbulent years before; But for Gustave Vasa, the young king, those obvious or hidden crises always surrounded him.
How to get this emerging country out of the status quo of internal and external crises as soon as possible and finally embark on the road to becoming a strong country has become the biggest test facing the rulers of this new era.
