Stockholm city is the current capital city of Sweden. The origin of Stockholm is not very clear, but some scholars believe that the history of this city dates back to 1000. There are writings which were done by King Valdemar and Birger jarl in 1252 about the history of Stockholm. Even then, these writings do not give any information on the city then or even the events that happened during that time. The growth and development of the Stockholm city started in the 13th century. This growth lead to the city being made the capital city of Sweden as well as becoming one of the most important political, cultural and economic centers in the whole of Sweden. The city’s growth was ignited by the existence of business that was carried out between the German merchants who received an invitation to trade in the locality from Birgewr jarl.

Between 1397 and 1523, in the times of Kalmar Union, anyone who aspired to control the Stockholm kingdom knew that it was important to have control over Stockholm. In 1471, in the battle of Brunkeberg, Denmark’s Christian 1 was defeated by Sten Sture the Elder. In 1497, Sten was defeated but regains power over Stockholm two years later. Later a Danish Blockade resulted which lasts between 1502 and 1509. When the blockade came to an end there was peace, even then the peace was only short lived as by 1520 Denmark’s Han’s son, Christian 11 conquered the city. This saw to the beheading of many burghers and nobles of Stockholm in what was called Stockholm Bloodbath. Christian 11 only reigned over Stockholm for three years after which King Gustav Vasa conquered it ending the Kalmar Union. When King Gustav came into power, it was noted that in every two houses, one was abandoned.

This made the city have about 7000 people in total population. The reign of King Gustav saw to the restoration of burghers’ privileges and rights. Between 1493 and 1552, Gustav Vasa made invitation to clergyman named Olaus Petri asking them to become the Stockholm city secretary. This leads to the implementation of protestant reformation ideas and holding of church sermons which was started in 1525. Five years later Latin was abolished in Stockholm. King Gustav did not favor other churches about from the protestant church. He ordered any other church building and religious institutions that were run under other religious doctrines to be demolished. Later the city underwent a thirty year war that lead to the destruction of property as well as the city’s prestigious name. This led to prohibition of visitors to the city even after the war.

The reshaping of the city began in 1625. The reshaping led to the destruction of the southwestern area of the Old Town. It led to the creation of two streets, which were Lila Nygatan and Stora Nygatan. Norrmalm, Sodermalm, OsterMalm and Kungsholmen were reshaped into areas with straight artery and wide streets. The reshaping was so thorough that there are no traces of the old structures today. The reshaping saw to the city’s population growth from about 10000 to about 50000.

The 19th century saw to the industrialization of the city and making it regain its economic role. New industries emerged and trade and business flourished. In between 1850 and 1860, running water, sewage and gas system were introduced. A number of streets were paved and roads and railways systems were enhanced. This led to more growth of trade and business in the city. Finally, the 20th century saw to the city’s advancement in technology and diversification. The government of Sweden established more elaborate technological systems and in 1967 the city of Stockholm became Stockholm County.