German 
English 
Sweden - Humpty Dumpty of World History
You never knew it Puss, but I was always there...
If you’re not familiar with Swedish history, you might not expect Sweden to have had much impact on the world’s past. After all, it’s a small country that doesn’t always take center stage in global affairs. But if you’ve seen DreamWorks’ Puss in Boots (2011), you might recall a scene where Humpty Dumpty says to Puss, “You never knew it, Puss, but I was always there.” This line perfectly captures Sweden’s role in history—often hidden, but always present.
When we think of historical powerhouses, countries like the United Kingdom, France, and the United States usually come to mind. But Sweden? You wouldn’t expect it to be at the top of the list. Still, there are moments in history when Sweden quietly made its mark, and its influence was undeniable. Let’s take a look at three fascinating instances where Sweden’s contributions weren’t always visible, yet were essential to shaping the world we know today.
Swedish Iron and the Eiffel Tower
Let’s start with something that might surprise you. If you’ve ever stood in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, you might not realize that Sweden played a key role in building it. The Eiffel Tower, the iconic landmark, was completed in 1889 for the World’s Fair. Made up of 12,000 iron beams held together by 2.5 million rivets, it’s one of the most recognizable structures in the world. And guess what? That iron? It came from Sweden.
The rivets used to assemble the tower were made at Borgviks workshop in Sweden, while the iron beams themselves came from Saxå Bruk, another Swedish supplier. The quality of Swedish iron was so renowned that it became the material of choice for such an ambitious project. Even though Sweden wasn’t exactly in the spotlight when the Eiffel Tower was built, its contribution to this monumental structure was undeniable. Next time you’re in Paris, just remember—you’re looking at Swedish iron.
Sweden and the Atlantic Slave Trade
Sweden isn’t often associated with the Atlantic slave trade, but it’s an uncomfortable part of the country’s history. While Sweden is known today for its progressive stance on human rights, its past includes some darker chapters. During the height of the Atlantic slave trade, Sweden was one of the suppliers of iron chains—chains that were used to bind enslaved people as they were transported across the ocean.
While many people associate the slave trade with nations like Portugal, Spain, and the UK, Sweden’s role in it is lesser-known but equally important. Swedish iron was essential to manufacturing the chains that held millions of enslaved Africans in captivity. This chapter of Swedish history is often overlooked, but it’s a stark reminder that even nations with progressive reputations have complex and troubling pasts when it comes to global systems of exploitation.
Iron Curtains: Swedish Steel in Prisons
Now, let’s talk about Schwedische Gardinen—or “Swedish curtains.” This term is actually used in Germany to describe prison bars, and the phrase sitting behind the Swedish curtains is a colloquial way of saying someone is in jail. Why? Because Swedish steel was known for its strength, and it was used in the construction of prison bars throughout Europe.
Germany, in particular, relied heavily on Swedish steel for its prisons, as it was the best material available to ensure that no one could break out. Ironically, while Sweden is known for its furniture and design, it also has a history of providing the iron that kept people behind bars. It’s just another example of how Swedish industry found its way into unexpected parts of history, including the security systems that kept people locked up during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Swedish Iron Ore and WWII
Let’s move to a more well-known, yet still complex, chapter of history: World War II. During the war, Sweden’s iron ore was crucial to Germany’s military efforts. The iron ore from Sweden’s mines, particularly from the Kiruna region, was used to produce steel for the German war machine. The Wehrmacht relied heavily on Swedish iron to produce the panzer tanks that became infamous during the war.
While Sweden maintained a neutral stance throughout the war, its resources were essential to Germany’s ability to wage war. Swedish iron ore was transported through neutral channels, and it helped fuel the creation of tanks and other military equipment. Sweden’s role in supplying iron ore to Nazi Germany is a reminder that neutrality doesn’t always mean being removed from the conflict. In this case, Sweden’s iron ore was a key material in the machinery of war.
