Sweden has been spared the horrors of war for almost 200 years, the last engagements coming in the short and relatively unbloody campaign against the Norwegians in 1814.

Perhaps this is one reason that history has been a relatively "forgotten" theme for most Swedes, in some cases even something people shy away from.

Today, the nation can barely defend itself in the unlikely event of war, due to the enormous cutdowns of the defence forces.

Expensive technology, skilled workforce and regiments with proud heritage have been indifferently dismantled during the past two decades and the trend is continuous.

Thankfully there has been a strong revival on the historical front.

Re-enactments have been a growing movement all across the world and it is not entirely surprising that the Napoleonic period is perhaps the most numerously attended and interesting for the general public. Naturally WWII has many dedicated followers throughout Europe and the world.

In Sweden, perhaps the strongest interest has been attached to the Carolean period, a very eventful period in Swedish history, which in the end signalled the final decline of Sweden as a baltic power.

The many battles during the reign of Karl (Charles) XII, especially the epic victory at the Battle at Narva 1700, have been preserved and lovingly re-enacted for quite some time now.

Recently, during 2008 and 2009, the 200th anniverarsary of the Finnish war has been highlighted with numerous events and re-enactments both in Finland and Sweden. The original battlefields have been revisited, the battles re-fought and the memories preserved for thousands of attendees.

It is not only the martial theme that occupies re-enactors. There are several historical associations fondly reliving the 18th century, cherishing the memory of the colourful but somewhat controversial king - Gustav III (1771-1792). Colourful banquets, masked balls and dance schools are being created in the purpose to preserve the cultural heritage of this period.

Vikings, naturally
I guess most people outside Sweden would tag the Swedes as "Viking-descendants". naturally this part of the nations history is well preserved by several associations and regular events all around the country. With, perhaps, the Medieval-weeks in Visby as the main event, gathering hundreds of enthusiasts to the lovely, historic city on the island of Gotland.

Other periods too.
Of course, these are not the only periods being personalised by historical enthusiasts. There are several others preserving the memory of WWII guard-duty, the period of the Swedish empire during Gustav II Adolf (17th century) and others ...

If the defence of this country is weakened year by year, at least the historical associations are making up for it by enormous efforts to preserve the historical heritage of this, once, so belligerent country.