Meet the Middle Ages
BackWhat did the Kalmar Union mean?
The Kalmar Union meant a strong Nordic kingdom.
During the 14th century, the Germans became increasingly interested in the Baltic region. The Germans dominated trade and economy. German merchants were often be more influential than even Kings and princes. The Germans were very powerful in the leading towns. The Royalty in the Nordic countries were afraid that the Germans would destroy or limit their power or even take over. Denmark did not want to lose its leading position. The Teutonic Knights, a German military order from Prussia, became powerful in the southern Baltic region. On the Baltic Sea, there were pirates which supported King Albrekt, the Vitalienbrüder. In many ways, the position of the Nordic countries was threatened, and something had to be done. Forming the Kalmar Union was Queen Margareta ´s solution. The Union, with Queen Margareta in charge, gave the Nordic countries an opportunity to strengthen their positions. The unified Nordic countries made up the largest kingdom in Europe.
Denmark was the strongest country of the three. The centre was By Öresund, with the towns of Copenhagen, Malmö, Helsingborg and Landskrona. The era of the Union was a prosperous period for the kingdom of Denmark. In Finland, there was an agricultural expansion and the whole country was reformed and modernised. In Sweden, the people enjoyed a period of peace and prosperity, especially on the borders where conflicts had been so common. Now, trade and communications became much easier., so people in these areas were very happy with the Union.