Courtyard Speech
Quick Summary
The Courtyard Speech, delivered in 1914, was a pivotal moment in Swedish history. It occurred during a period of rising international tension leading up to World War I.1
King Gustav V, without consulting his government, addressed a gathering of 30,000 farmers. He promised to strengthen the nation's military defenses, a pledge that led to the resignation of the liberal government led by Prime Minister Karl Staaff. The king then appointed a new, non-political government. This event highlighted the significant influence of public opinion and the monarchy's role in defense policy during that era.1
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Gustav VDuring the Courtyard Crisis in February 1914, Gustav declared his support for demands that Sweden strengthen its defenses. He was accused of overstepping his authority, but, with wide popular support for his actions, he was able to force the resignation of the Liberal government that had decreased…
Read MoreDuring the Courtyard Crisis in February 1914, Gustav declared his support for demands that Sweden strengthen its defenses. He was accused of overstepping his authority, but, with wide popular support for his actions, he was able to force the resignation of the Liberal government that had decreased…
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SwedenDefense policyIn his reply (Borggårdstalet, the Courtyard Speech) the king promised to reinforce the military defenses. As he had given this pledge without having consulted the government, it resigned, and the king appointed a civil-servant government with Hjalmar Hammarskjöld as prime minister.
Read MoreIn his reply (Borggårdstalet, the Courtyard Speech) the king promised to reinforce the military defenses. As he had given this pledge without having consulted the government, it resigned, and the king appointed a civil-servant government with Hjalmar Hammarskjöld as prime minister.
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