The social history of Gothenburg

Abstract

After Napoleon's victories over the Prussians at Jena and Auerstadt, the Berlin decrees proclaimed the Continental Blockade of Britain in the autumn of 1806. Its impact has been studied intensively by such historians as E. F. Heckscher and F. Crouzet, above all to determine its effects on the trade and industry of Britain and on her economy in general. Sweden found herself drawn into the conflict of the great powers after the treaties of Tilsit between France and Russia in 1807, and despite earlier opposition to France, was, after the loss of Finland in 1809, forced at the Peace of Paris in 1810 to submit to the Continental System. Thanks, however, to her excellent longstanding connections with Britain and to the British command of the seas, she was able to maintain her trading connections to the west at least through Gothenburg.