King Karl XIV Johan (Bernadotte) was one of the greatest Swedish monarchs. During his reign, the Kingdom of Sweden-Norway scored a significant progress whether in politics, economy, society or education. His reign opened the wholly new era with the previous "absolute monarchy" transforming into a "constitutional liberal monarchy". The Swedish living standard and expectancy were greatly improved. Though his rule was not flawless as numerous crisis sprang out occasionally, it should be regarded as one of the "golden ages" considering the Bernadotte government's remarkable achievement during his reign of AD 1810-44. (though he was only the crown prince until his coronation in AD 1818, he was already the undisputed de facto ruler of Sweden since his arrival to Sweden in October 1810)
So, in what extent, the reign of Karl XIV Johan (Bernadotte) should be considered as the "turning point" in the history of Sweden ?
Guideline
1. Territorial Expansion Policy aiming on Baltic Hegemony ---> Neutrality Policy aiming on perpetual peace
2. Not envisaged of long-term relations with Britain ---> Dependent on long-term friendship with Great Britain
3. Absolute Monarchy (Monarch > Parliament) ---> Constitutional Monarchy (both monarch and parliament are equal in status)
4. Poor and unstable economic system ---> robust financial and economic structure
5. Undeveloped infrustracture, education and national welfare net (medical welfare, public health...etc) --> modernization in large extent
6. Lack of manufactured industry ---> flourishing industry with much surplus for export
7. inadequate food production ---> greatly improved agriculture (with much export)
8. Unawakened of pursuit of liberty for most people ---> rise of liberalism (with journalism stand out criticizing monarchy openly)
Conclusion : Was Sweden "utterly reformized and modernized" during Karl XIV Johan's reign ?
Other questions you might ponder about :
1. Was Karl XIV Johan deserved to be praised "The Liberal Monarch" ?
2. In what extent, you think that Karl XIV Johan was a pragmatic, wise and intelligent monarch ?
3. In what extent, Karl XIV Johan's "neutral policy" achieved success for Sweden in diplomacy ?
4. How did he handle the personal union of Sweden-Norway politically ?
5. How his personal experience and the European political development affected his reign in Sweden ?
So, in what extent, the reign of Karl XIV Johan (Bernadotte) should be considered as the "turning point" in the history of Sweden ?
Guideline
1. Territorial Expansion Policy aiming on Baltic Hegemony ---> Neutrality Policy aiming on perpetual peace
2. Not envisaged of long-term relations with Britain ---> Dependent on long-term friendship with Great Britain
3. Absolute Monarchy (Monarch > Parliament) ---> Constitutional Monarchy (both monarch and parliament are equal in status)
4. Poor and unstable economic system ---> robust financial and economic structure
5. Undeveloped infrustracture, education and national welfare net (medical welfare, public health...etc) --> modernization in large extent
6. Lack of manufactured industry ---> flourishing industry with much surplus for export
7. inadequate food production ---> greatly improved agriculture (with much export)
8. Unawakened of pursuit of liberty for most people ---> rise of liberalism (with journalism stand out criticizing monarchy openly)
Conclusion : Was Sweden "utterly reformized and modernized" during Karl XIV Johan's reign ?
Other questions you might ponder about :
1. Was Karl XIV Johan deserved to be praised "The Liberal Monarch" ?
2. In what extent, you think that Karl XIV Johan was a pragmatic, wise and intelligent monarch ?
3. In what extent, Karl XIV Johan's "neutral policy" achieved success for Sweden in diplomacy ?
4. How did he handle the personal union of Sweden-Norway politically ?
5. How his personal experience and the European political development affected his reign in Sweden ?