Munsey's Magazine, July 1915

Munsey's Magazine, July 1915

"Scandinavia: A New Power in Europe Formed by the League of Three Northern Nations" by Svetozar Tonjoroff presents a historical and contemporary analysis of the Scandinavian League—a defensive coalition uniting Sweden, Norway, and Denmark in December 1914.

The article traces Scandinavian history from the medieval Kalmar Treaty (1397) through the era of Gustavus Adolphus and Charles XII, documenting how these powers formerly dominated Northern Europe and the Baltic. Tonjoroff details recent grievances: Denmark's losses to Britain (1801), Prussia's seizure of Schleswig-Holstein (1864), and Norway's forced union with Sweden until its peaceful separation in 1905.

Contemporary concerns center on Russian expansion—the 1809 annexation of Finland and perceived military buildup near Swedish borders. The article chronicles King Gustavus V's 1914 appeal for defensive rearmament, a patriotic demonstration in Stockholm of over thirty thousand voters supporting armament, and subsequent domestic opposition from pacifists and constitutionalists regarding crown authority. The account remains largely descriptive, incorporating architectural photographs of Swedish landmarks throughout.