The immaterial values of the 20th century

The development of the industrial society created possibilities to exploit new immaterial values in the northernmost provinces of Sweden. The railroad interconnects previously isolated parts of the country. In the 20th century, several weeks of paid vacation are introduced for salaried Swedish workers. The vacation was seen as beneficial for the endurance of the workers and was intended to preferably be spent in other parts of the country. 

The nature of northern Sweden was made accessible for both recreational and curative purposes. As early as the late 19th century “our nervous age” was mentioned along with the diagnosis label Neurasthenia, the “turn of the century disease” that could be cured by a change of scenery. The fresh air, mountains and pine forests were seen as soothing and able to calm nerves weakened by the increasingly rapid tempo of contemporary society. 

During the 20th century, it was deemed desirable for Swedes to get to know their county. Attracting tourists to northern Sweden was in the best interest of the nation. The province of Jämtland flourished as a result this as it was offered as a tourist destination on a new travel market.

At the same time the condition of the Swedish forests had deteriorated successively due to the exploitation during the latter part of the 19th century. Not until the 1940s did the supply of lumber increase in large areas of northern Sweden. After WW2, the national government and the forest management agree that the forestry production would be in danger unless restorative measures are taken; an admission of failure concerning the previous handling of the Swedish forests. The forestry act of 1948 stresses the sustainability and profitability of Swedish forestry. The forest industry evolves during the latter part of the 20th century and becomes more effective and mechanised.