Sveriges ståthållare och bönders svar mot Danmarks invasion i södra Sverige under Kalmarkriget 1611–1613

Abstract This BA thesis treats, question and provides information about the war of Kalmar 1611-1613. The essential focus is directed towards battles between Sweden and Denmark, the battle took place in southern Sweden. Denmark attacked Sweden to preserve domination over the trading market in the Baltic Sea, Sweden had extended its trade area and therefore challenged Denmark. There are three purposes in the thesis, which origins within warfare and permeates the circumstances of two different battles. The first purpose problematises how Denmark managed to conquer the castle of Kalmar without facing difficulties, rumours have it that the governor was a traitor. His name was Christer Somme and the first purpose involves unveiling the truth behind the rumours. My theory is that Somme was innocent to the accusations but acted more like a coward, than a governor maybe should have acted. Regarding the other purposes of the essay, the Danish armies in Småland were forced to retreat away from the low-populated farming society. Sources say that it was because of the special warfare the farmers used that was the main reason behind a Danish retreat. The second purpose of the thesis examines if that was the only reason behind it, or if there were other underlying factors. For the last purpose, a map is drawn to point out the way of choice for the Danish army in Småland as for their retreat, the army was led by Gert Rantzau. The map contains explanations why he ended up choosing that path, the purpose also tries to explain why the Danish armies split up in Sweden both to the east and west. Limitations had to be made in order not to stray away too far from the subject, and there was not enough time to examine everything I wanted to. Therefore, I limited this historic event and chose to not involve several governors. Even though there are rumours about them being agents for Denmark as well, I chose the one that is most mentioned in this war. Regarding issue number two, it had to be limited to only focus upon the reasons why Rantzau was forced to retreat and not exactly how it happened. A limitation with purpose number three was applied to only track that specific part of the army which was led by Rantzau. That was necessary since the assault often was divided into several locations. It would have been hard to make it in time if I decided to chart the entire entity of Denmark’s forays plus King Kristian IV’s.