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Modern Scandinavia and the Rise of Sweden with Dr. Teofilo Ruiz

Modern Scandinavia and the Rise of Sweden with Dr. Teofilo Ruiz


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Join a historian as we explore how the spread of Reformation beliefs throughout Northern Europe led to the rise of Sweden as one of the most important military and political powers in the Baltic and farther east into Russia and the Artic. Playing a central role in the Thirty Years war (1618-1648), Sweden, and by extension, other Scandinavian polities, played a signal role in the evolution of European society. We’ll also touch upon Scandinavian society today in regards to income and happiness, as well as the rise of the Scandinavian Noir.

After Gustavus Adolphus’s death on the battlefield before the conclusion of the Thirty Years War, Sweden began to wane. The eighteenth and nineteenth-century were not kind to Scandinavia, but a revival was on the way. After years of migrating out of Scandinavia, the Nordic countries and their inhabitants became, and remain, examples of social equality, education, and enlightened programs. In Scandinavia today, in spite of growing difficulties with the influx of people into Europe, fleeing wars and climate change, the misery index is very low, and Scandinavian countries remain vital examples of the right way to organize society in the face of the challenges of globalization and modernity. By looking at Scandinavian cultural contributions, we get a sense of those factors that divide them into nations while uniting them as a people.

Led by Dr. Teofilo Ruiz, an expert in Scandinavian history, this conversation will awaken learners’ understanding of how Scandinavia became what it is today with a focus on the rise of Sweden. Designed to inform curiosity and future travels, this conversation will deepen our knowledge of Scandinavian society, culture, and its road to modernity.

Teo F. Ruiz, PhD is a Cuban-American medieval historian and a Distinguished Research Professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Barack Obama. He is the author of 15 books.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 8 reviews
88%
(7)
0%
(0)
13%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
S
S.C. (Montrose, US)

Guest did not leave comment

S
S.W. (Louisville, US)
Superb!

Can’t wait to attend more of Dr. Ruiz’s lectures. Fascinating. Presented well, loved the anecdotes.

K
K.E. (Sindelfingen, DE)
The Development of Modern Scandinavia

Dr. Ruiz provided a thorough overview of people and events leading to conditions in modern Scandinavia. He tied in his observations with historical developments which had been covered in earlier related sessions to present a cohesive picture of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, countries which are noteworthy in the present day for their liberal and progressive social systems. In all of his seminars, Dr. Ruiz enthusiastically and thoroughly answers all questions which arise.

T
T (Tempe, US)

Incredible lecture in this Scandinavian series. Teo is an excellent teacher...I have learned so much on a subject that I did not know much about!

A
Andy Wilson (Kensington, US)
Scandinavia 101

Thoroughly enjoyable and well-presented - Teo was able to cover a good deal of complex history in a way that was accessible and relevant for travelers.

Customer Reviews

Based on 8 reviews
88%
(7)
0%
(0)
13%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
S
S.C. (Montrose, US)

Guest did not leave comment

S
S.W. (Louisville, US)
Superb!

Can’t wait to attend more of Dr. Ruiz’s lectures. Fascinating. Presented well, loved the anecdotes.

K
K.E. (Sindelfingen, DE)
The Development of Modern Scandinavia

Dr. Ruiz provided a thorough overview of people and events leading to conditions in modern Scandinavia. He tied in his observations with historical developments which had been covered in earlier related sessions to present a cohesive picture of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, countries which are noteworthy in the present day for their liberal and progressive social systems. In all of his seminars, Dr. Ruiz enthusiastically and thoroughly answers all questions which arise.

T
T (Tempe, US)

Incredible lecture in this Scandinavian series. Teo is an excellent teacher...I have learned so much on a subject that I did not know much about!

A
Andy Wilson (Kensington, US)
Scandinavia 101

Thoroughly enjoyable and well-presented - Teo was able to cover a good deal of complex history in a way that was accessible and relevant for travelers.