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90 A History of Sweden
seems strange that any one could wish to continue a
union which had led to so much abuse. But to many
or the lords it seemed so restful to have a king residing
in Denmark, they could then do as they pleased at
home. Besides many of the lords had by marriage and
kinship become as much Danes as Swedes.
Karl Knutsson Bonde. At the head of the Swedish
party was the rich and lordly nobleman, Karl Knutsson
Bonde. He was stately and chivalrous in his bearing
and made many friends by his liberality. In 1448 he
succeeded in being acclaimed king of Sweden. At the
same time the Danes chose once more a German as
king, Christian of Oldenburg. He became the founder
of the Oldenburg family, which still rules in Denmark.
The Contest for Norway. The question was now to
which of the two Norway should go. Norway had by
this time been so weakened that she could not stand
alone. Through long and bitter civil struggles, the
Norwegian peasantry had become exhausted and in-
different to the weal or woe of the kingdom. Each one
sat in his own village and cared only for it. There was
no leader like Engelbert who could rouse the peasants
out of their lethargy.
Both Karl Knutsson and Christian I desired Norway.
They finally agreed to submit the matter to a joint
meeting of Swedish and Danish councilmen. These
lords decided that Karl should concede Norway to
Christian, 1450. From that time to 1814 Norway was
united with Denmark.
Thus was King Karl betrayed by his lords, as they
did not like to have his power increased. But after
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