What Has Sweden Done for the United States?

An odd little pamphlet, What Has Sweden Done For The United States? by Lars P Nelson was published in 1917 as the author's attempt to instill some ancestral pride in second- and third-generation Swedes whom he believed were dismissing their heritage in favour of their new American identity. Nelson briefly discusses the first Swedes to arrive in the New World and their refreshingly honourable attitudes to the native populations; Sweden's role and an interesting subterfuge during the War Of Independence; and the ongoing support from the Swedish government and crown to her former people. Even Swedish women get a mention as there are two potted biographies of the singers Jenny Lind and Christine Nilsson. The importance of religion is repeatedly mentioned and special emphasis is placed on the Swedish tradition of religious tolerance - although, of course, this is only seen in terms of the various types of Christianity.

The pamphlet is an interesting read for the impressions it gives of early twentieth century priorities in how a section of the American people saw themselves. My only real complaint is that the work is far too short! At less than thirty pages for such a presumably huge subject, there really isn't enough said.