Sweden during World War II
Sweden maintained its policy of neutrality during World War II. When the war began on 1 September 1939, the fate of Sweden was unclear. But by a combination of its geopolitical location in the Scandinavian Peninsula, realpolitik maneuvering during an unpredictable course of events, and a dedicated military build-up after 1942, Sweden kept its official neutrality status throughout the war.
At the outbreak of hostilities, Sweden had held a neutral stance in international relations for more than a century, since the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1814 and the invasion of Norway.
Ådalen shootings. This picture of the demonstration was taken before the military opened fire.
Swedish Prime Minister Per Albin Hansson declared Sweden neutral on 1 September 1939.
Swedish soldier during World War II
Mälsåker Castle was a Norwegian Military academy during World War II (photograph taken in 2007).
Sweden during World War I
Sweden, following its long-standing policy of neutrality since the Napoleonic Wars, remained neutral throughout World War I between 28 July 1914 and 11 November 1918. However, this neutrality was not maintained without difficulty and Sweden at various times sympathised with different parties in the conflict.
King Gustaf V giving the Courtyard Speech
A card representing the meeting of the kings of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. At the top "The royal meeting in Malmö" is written in Swedish.
HSwMS Sverige, depicted in her originally-intended form
HSwMS Hvalen in 1912.