Reduction
Quick Summary
The term "reduction" in Swedish history refers to the process of reclaiming land and property that had been transferred from the crown to the nobility. This occurred primarily in the 1650s and 1680s, initiated by King Charles XI. The goal was to increase royal revenue and consolidate the monarchy's power, returning Sweden to the political structure established by the early Vasa kings.12
This process significantly reduced the holdings of the high nobility, who had gained substantial land through the transfer of crown property and taxes. The reclaimed income from these properties was then allocated to public servants, officers, and soldiers. This system made the crown less reliant on the Diet for financial matters and characterized the period of "Carolingian absolutism" under Charles XI, which also involved continuous preparation for war due to Swedish annexations in the Baltic region.12
- history of Sweden - Impact of continuous warfare on Sweden
- Sweden - End of the union
- history of Sweden - Population and the economy
- history of Sweden - The economic climate
- Sweden - Impact of continuous warfare
- history of Sweden - Political reform
- history of Sweden - The Liberal–Social Democratic coalition
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