The Mercantile Reforms

During the first half of the 17th century, the newly risen great power of Sweden sought ways of reforming her trade as effectively as she had the army. Foreign entrepreneurs (mostly from the Low Countries, like Louis de Geer) started up flourishing businesses and provided excellent role models for Swedish merchants. The Swedes were even persuaded by certain Dutchmen to embark on lucrative colonial ventures, but the attempts were half-hearted as Sweden chose instead to pursue an aggressive continental policy. Swedish trade never really took off either, due to the constant mercantilist interference of a money starved government.