Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - VI. Period of the Union, 1389–1531 - F. Change of Reign Also in Denmark
<< prev. page << föreg. sida << >> nästa sida >> next page >>
Below is the raw OCR text
from the above scanned image.
Do you see an error? Proofread the page now!
Här nedan syns maskintolkade texten från faksimilbilden ovan.
Ser du något fel? Korrekturläs sidan nu!
This page has never been proofread. / Denna sida har aldrig korrekturlästs.
106 A History of Sweden
F. CHANGE OF REIGN ALSO IN DENMARK
Christian’s Efforts to Crush the Danish Nobility. In
Denmark, as in Sweden, Christian sought to break
down the power of the haughty nobility. But for this
he needed a strong army of mercenaries. To secure
and maintain them large sums were necessary. The
needed funds he would procure through commerce. A
flourishing trade was to be built up and fostered. This
would enrich the burgher class and enable them to pay
heavier taxes, and larger revenues would flow from
the increased tolls. He sought to unite the merchants
of the three northern countries into a great trading
corporation to supplant the Hanseatic League.
But against the powerful nobles he needed not only
the co-operation of the burghers, but also of the peas-
ants. Through legislation he labored to improve the
condition of the poor peasants, to abolish serfdom, and
strengthen the administration of justice. He forbade
the "evil and unchristian" practice, prevalent on the
Danish islands, of selling poor peasants like cattle.
Hence, Christian was not only a bloodstained tyrant.
Christian’s Deposition, Exile, and Imprisonment.
Christian’s methods were too violent. Even in Den-
mark he caused nobles to be put to death contrary to
law and justice. Thus he set the nobles against him
and provoked an insurrection. They conspired against
him and proclaimed his uncle Frederick as king. In
this hour of danger no one came to his aid, not even
the peasants. For how could any one trust so guilty a
king, who broke his most sacred promises, and in wild
rage could commit any bloody crime whatever? When
<< prev. page << föreg. sida << >> nästa sida >> next page >>
