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Malmo History, Sweden

Malmo is known as the third most populated city in Sweden. It is located at the southernmost province of Scania. The city is the center of both the Malmo Municipality and Skane County. Malmo is also recognized as one of the first and most developed towns in Scandinavia. With notable architectural progress, Malmo marched its way into becoming a modern city which is both contemporary and environment-friendly. Here are some important events in Malmo History.

Malmo History – Establishment of the City

It is speculated that the Malmo area was established in 1275. The city was a secured dock for Lund's Archbishop. Malmo, at the time, was a city under Denmark and was the country’s second largest city. It was initially called Malmhaug which means “gravel pile.”

Malmo History – 15th and 16th Century

During the 15th centuries, Malmo was recognized as the largest city in Denmark and was the most visited and populated. The city’s population rose to 5,000 and Malmo had developed into the most significant city in the Sound. One reason for Malmo’s status is the frequent visit at the marketplace from Germany's Hanseatic League. In 1437, the city weapons were accorded to Malmo by Pomerania's King Eric.

A new fortress was built on the beach found at the southern part of Malmo in 1434. Add to this, other fortresses were built which made Malmo as Sweden’s most equipped city. During the 16th century, teachings by the Lutherans became famous making Malmo one of the original Scandinavian cities to completely convert to the Lutheran belief.

Malmo History – 17th and 18th Century

It was in the 17th century, specifically in 1658, that Malmo and the rest of the Scanian region was transferred to the territory of Sweden. This event took place due to the signing of the Treaty of Roskilde. However, fighting continued between the Danish and Swedish troops. Denmark was unsuccessful in taking back Malmo.

At the turn of the 18th century, Malmo’s population was only around 2,300. The number of inhabitants dropped in 1728 because of the wars of Charles XII and several epidemics that hit the city. It was only in the latter part of the 18th century that the number of inhabitants started to grow back and Malmo started its expansion of the city.

Malmo History – 19th Century to the Present

The southern railway of Sweden was built from 1850 to 1870 and this has significantly helped Malmo and its industry. Combined with this, the Kockums shipyard was established in 1840. In 1870, Malmo became the third largest city in Sweden in terms of population.

Malmo continued to develop until the first 50 years of the 1900s. Again, the population remained to grow up to 200,000 in 1952. By the start of the 1970s, the city had 265,000 residents. Shortly after this time, the whole of Sweden went through a recession which made a big impact especially to the country’s industry and economy. In the mid-1980s the Kockums shipyard had to close and with this, many employees lost their jobs. The local government designed ways to solve the recession problem through boosting the housing programs of the city.

From a small town, Malmo is now progressing as a city. Malmo History showed all the twist and turns in the events that took place in the area. For more information about Sweden, take time to browse Gothenburg History and Stockholm History.

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