Treaty of Hamburg 1762

Thursday, 22 May 2014

On this day in 1762, Sweden and Prussia signed the Treaty of Hamburg, ending the Pomeranian War, and Swedens involvement in the Seven Years' War.

The Pomeranian War was declared by the Swedish government, cheered on by the French.

The war was started in violation of the Swedish constitution, and with huge economical expenses, for the subsidies Sweden had received, mostly from France, under a period of almost 40 years, were rarely used for their original purpose, and in 1759, the Swedish armies and navies were in terrible condition.

Sweden still lived in the 1600's: A war should pay for itself.

This proved impossible and just 1/20 of the payment for the war came from hostile territory.

The poor results of the Swedish troops in Pomerania was a direct consequence of a lack of money.

No money means no supplies, and no supplies means successful operations are impossible.

When Sweden decided to join the Seven Years' War, they decided that all of Pomerania would be their reward, along with the Caribbean island of Tobago.

Two offensive campaigns were launched during the Pomeranian War, in 1759 and 1761, but both were aborted due to a lack of supplies.

On the other hand, a Prussian counter-offensive in 1760 was repulsed.

So in 1762, Sweden decided to cut their losses and signed the Treaty of Hamburg, returning to the status quo before the war.

Pictured is Swedish and Prussian Pomerania.

- Tobbe