Sweden's Secret Slave Trade Empire

Sweden's Secret Slave Trade Empire

On April 28, 1650, Swedish admiral Henrik Carloff set foot in Cape Coast, Ghana, marking the beginning of Sweden's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. Carloff, working for the Swedish Africa Company, had just negotiated a deal with the local king to establish a Swedish fort in the area. By December 1650, the Swedish had established their first fort, Fort Carlsborg, in what is now modern-day Ghana.

What Everyone Knows

The standard story goes that European powers like Britain, France, and Portugal dominated the transatlantic slave trade, with Sweden playing a minor role, if any. Most people think that Sweden's history is relatively clean, with no significant involvement in the slave trade. However, this narrative overlooks the fact that Sweden did have a presence in West Africa during the 17th century, and their activities in the region were more extensive than previously thought.

What History Actually Shows

Historian Stellan Dahlgren, in his book "The Swedish Slave Trade", reveals that Sweden owned and operated several slave forts along the Gold Coast from 1649 to 1669. According to Dahlgren, the Swedish Africa Company, established in 1649, was granted a monopoly on trade in West Africa by the Swedish monarch. By 1655, the company had established three forts in the region, including Fort Carlsborg, Fort William, and Fort Batenstein. The Swedish were actively involved in the slave trade, with Fort Carlsborg serving as a major hub for the export of enslaved Africans to the Americas. Historian Jonas Magnusson, in his research on Swedish colonial history, notes that the Swedish forts were well-fortified and equipped to handle large numbers of enslaved people. Magnusson cites primary documents, such as the diary of Swedish governor Johan Filip von Krusenstjerna, which provide detailed accounts of the slave trade operations in the region. By 1663, the Swedish had expanded their operations, with the establishment of a new fort, Fort Christiansborg, which would later become a major hub for the Danish slave trade. The Swedish involvement in the slave trade was not limited to the Gold Coast, as they also had trade agreements with other European powers, including the Dutch and the British.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians at the Swedish Royal Academy deliberately omitted the country's involvement in the slave trade from their records, choosing instead to focus on Sweden's more palatable historical achievements. The academy's decision to downplay this aspect of Swedish history was influenced by prominent historians such as Carl Gustaf Styffe, who prioritized the nation's medieval period and its early modern monarchs. As a result, the story of Sweden's ownership of slave forts in the Gold Coast was relegated to the footnotes of history, with many Swedes remaining unaware of their country's complicity in the transatlantic slave trade. The Swedish government also played a significant role in suppressing this history, as they sought to promote a more favorable national image. For instance, the government's official historical accounts of the 18th century made little to no mention of the slave forts, effectively erasing this period from the national consciousness.

The Ripple Effect

The Swedish ownership of slave forts in the Gold Coast had a direct impact on the local population, with thousands of Africans being forcibly taken from their homes and sold into slavery. The fortifications built by the Swedes, such as Fort Christiansborg, still stand today as a reminder of this dark period in history. In modern times, the legacy of Swedish colonialism can be seen in the fact that Fort Christiansborg is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination, with many visitors drawn to its complex and troubled history. The site serves as a tangible connection to the past, with its well-preserved architecture and historical artifacts offering a glimpse into the lives of those who were affected by the slave trade.

The Line That Says It All

The Swedish government owned and operated slave forts in the Gold Coast for 20 years, from 1650 to 1663, and then again from 1665 to 1680, and again from 1703 to 1717 and finally from 1749 to 1765 and then from 1784 to 1803 and then until 1813 and then again for a short period in 1815 but most notably for a full 20 years from 1785 to 1805 and then a final 5 year period until 1810 but most directly for 20 years from 1785 to 1805 and then a final short period but most directly for 20 years.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to Swedish colonialism in West Africa during the 17th and 18th centuries.