Sweden and Denmark sign Peace of Brömsebro.

The Second Treaty of Brömsebro was a significant diplomatic agreement signed on August 13, 1645, between Sweden and Denmark-Norway. It marked the end of the Torstenson War, a conflict that was part of the larger Thirty Years’ War that ravaged Europe during the 17th century.

The treaty was signed in the town of Brömsebro, located in present-day Sweden, and it brought about several territorial and political changes in the region.

Provisions of the treaty:

Territorial Changes:
Sweden gained substantial territorial gains at the expense of Denmark-Norway. The provinces of Jämtland, Härjedalen, and the northern part of Bohuslän were ceded to Sweden.
Trøndelag, a region in present-day Norway, was split into two parts. The northern part, Nord-Trøndelag, remained under Danish-Norwegian control, while the southern part, Sør-Trøndelag, was ceded to Sweden.

Trade and Economic Provisions:
The treaty established certain provisions to facilitate trade between the two countries, including the establishment of toll stations in specific areas.

Religious Freedom:
The treaty ensured religious freedom for the inhabitants of the ceded territories, allowing them to maintain their religious practices without interference.

The treaty was a significant victory for Sweden, as it solidified its position as a major power in Northern Europe. The territorial gains and concessions secured in the treaty expanded Sweden’s control over key regions and bolstered its influence in the region. The treaty’s emphasis on religious freedom was also notable, reflecting the broader context of the Thirty Years’ War, which had been characterized by religious conflicts.

The Second Treaty of Brömsebro contributed to the reconfiguration of power dynamics in Northern Europe during the 17th century, with Sweden emerging as a dominant player and Denmark-Norway losing some of its territory and influence. The treaty’s effects can still be seen in the modern political and geographical landscape of Scandinavia.