Sweden takes shape
For a long time, many people in Sweden did not have a close relationship with the state. The vast majority lived in the countryside and probably saw themselves more as Upplanders, craftsmen or Christians than as Swedes.
But during the Middle Ages, the same money began to be used throughout the whole country, and Sweden got a common law for the first time. New towns were founded and became important centers for trade and craftsmanship.
The importance of money grew, and as time passed, the population became more strongly connected to the Sweden that was taking shape.
