Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - X. Reign of Christina, 1632–1654 - A. The Regency under Axel Oxenstiern, 1632–1644
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176 A History of Sweden
so unnatural as at that time. Gothenburg, Sweden’s
only port in the west, was narrowly hemmed in be-
tween the Norwegian Bohuslan and the Danish Hal-
land. Sk&ne, Blekinge, and the Island of Gothland
belonged to Denmark; Jemtland and Herjedalen to
Norway.
As has already been related, Lennart Torstensson,
while commanding the Swedish forces in Germany, re-
ceived an order from home to march against Denmark.
This was in the fall of 1643. At the opening of the new
year he entered Denmark, and in less than a month he
had subdued the Peninsula. Another Swedish army
had invaded SkSne and conquered nearly the whole
province.
On the sea, however, the Danes were more success-
ful. Under the lead of Christian IV, then nearly 70
years old, they fought a great naval battle off the Is-
land of Fehmarn, near the coast of Holstein, with an
equally strong Swedish fleet under the command of
Klas Fleming. The king was wounded and fell, but
rose again, and kept heroically on deck till darkness
put an end to the fight. Neither party could claim the
victory. But Denmark was saved, for the Swedish fleet
was not strong enough to land forces on the Danish
islands. This was the greatest exploit of Denmark’s
greatest king.
Soon, however, the Swedes gained the upper hand
on the sea too, and Denmark was compelled to accept
peace. This was concluded in 1645 at Bromsebro on
the border of Smaland and Blekinge. Sweden’s chief
gains were Jemtland and Herjedalen from Norway
and Halland and Gothland from Denmark, and unre-
stricted exemption from tolls at Oresund.
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