Comments on: The fiscal pressures generated by the expansion of army sizes induces the creation of the bureaucratic tax state. https://www.isegoria.net/2023/10/the-fiscal-pressures-generated-by-the-expansion-of-army-sizes-induces-the-creation-of-the-bureaucratic-tax-state/ From the ancient Greek for equality in freedom of speech; an eclectic mix of thoughts, large and small Wed, 10 Jun 2026 23:26:47 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.6.1 By: Aisurgen https://www.isegoria.net/2023/10/the-fiscal-pressures-generated-by-the-expansion-of-army-sizes-induces-the-creation-of-the-bureaucratic-tax-state/comment-page-1/#comment-3624790 Aisurgen Tue, 17 Oct 2023 11:09:33 +0000 https://www.isegoria.net/?p=50522#comment-3624790 From the same treasure of knowledge, the Wikipedia:

“Gustav II also introduced a new regimental system, in which every province would be able to maintain one regiment of 3,264 men, divided in twelve companies of 272 men each. Four such regiments were to be active in mainland Sweden at all times (numbering 13,056 men), and another two regiments would be stationed in the eastern parts of the empire, giving Sweden a standing army of 19,584 men.”

and

“The Swedish army peaked at 140,000 troops in 1632, the majority of the regulars being German recruits”

Hope it soothes your worries about the toll on Swedish/Finnish medieval menfolk.

]]> By: Adar https://www.isegoria.net/2023/10/the-fiscal-pressures-generated-by-the-expansion-of-army-sizes-induces-the-creation-of-the-bureaucratic-tax-state/comment-page-1/#comment-3624655 Adar Sun, 15 Oct 2023 23:07:34 +0000 https://www.isegoria.net/?p=50522#comment-3624655 As best as I can determine, the population of Finland and Sweden combined was about 1.75 million. Still means a very significant number [85 %] of military age men in the Swedish army. That places an enormous strain on the economy way beyond normal I might think.

]]> By: Isegoria https://www.isegoria.net/2023/10/the-fiscal-pressures-generated-by-the-expansion-of-army-sizes-induces-the-creation-of-the-bureaucratic-tax-state/comment-page-1/#comment-3624624 Isegoria Sun, 15 Oct 2023 12:24:19 +0000 https://www.isegoria.net/?p=50522#comment-3624624 The Swedish army was half-Finnish at the time:

Roughly 2/5 from the infantry and 3/7 from the cavalry in the army were from Finland.

]]> By: Adar https://www.isegoria.net/2023/10/the-fiscal-pressures-generated-by-the-expansion-of-army-sizes-induces-the-creation-of-the-bureaucratic-tax-state/comment-page-1/#comment-3624593 Adar Sun, 15 Oct 2023 01:12:01 +0000 https://www.isegoria.net/?p=50522#comment-3624593 Something strange about the figure of 150,000 men the Swedish army 1639. Total population of Sweden 1600 about 1.4 million. In any given society at any moment roughly about 10 % of the population demographically in that correct military age of 18-35. That would mean that EVERY able bodied man in Sweden was in the army? Exact figures on this hard to come by?

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