From war to record years
Europe was in ruins after the Second World War. But Sweden still had cities, railways and factories. As the war-torn areas were rebuilt, Swedish goods were sold to much of Europe – and Sweden became one of the richest countries in the world. The record years had begun.
Migration to cities increased, to newly built apartments with bathrooms, central heating and laundry facilities. Better healthcare meant that many people lived longer and enjoyed better quality of life. Nurseries, child benefits and the right to holidays changed how people could live their lives.
The early 1970s saw the onset of the oil crisis – war and political unrest in the Middle East made oil more expensive. This affected economies all over the world. Prices rose and the Swedish record years were over.
