Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - IX. Reign of Gustavus Adolphus, 1611–1632 - D. Domestic Development
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16S A History of Sweden
fare of the country depends on commerce and naviga-
tion," was one of Gustavus Adolphus’ sayings. Such
were the doctrines of statesmen in nearly every coun-
try at that time. The frequent wars were also a hin-
drance to the development of agriculture. On an
average 4,000 of the ablest men of the country were
annually called into military service. And as there was
continual war from 1621 to 1648 one can readily see
what such a tremendous loss of man power meant to
a country of a little over a million of men, women, and
children.
Means of Communication. At this time, too, people
began to realize the importance of good means of com-
munication to a country’s industrial life and prosper-
ity. The roads were, in the words of Gustavus Adol-
phus, "so narrow and rocky that they might rather be
called footpaths/’ Hence, both men and women usually
traveled on horseback. At times one found the way
blocked by wagoners, who would not turn out, but only
quarrel. Again wagons would sometimes stick in the
mire and could not be pulled out without help. When
the roads were icy and one was to travel up or down
steep hills it was almost a risk of life. A journey from
Kalmar to Stockholm might require three weeks, or
dduble the time now required for a voyage between
Stockholm and New York.
"
Gustavus Adolphus began to improve the roads, but
the work did not get fully under way till after his
death, under the administration of Axel Oxenstiern.
The result was a network of fine roads, for that time.
Canals, too, were constructed. Postal service was
established, uniting different parts of the country and
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