Per Albin Hansson - Death and Political Legacy

Death and Political Legacy

Following the surrender of Germany, Hansson pushed forwards his will to maintain a Social Democratic-led coalition government of all non-Communist parties, but failed to realize the idea due to strong opposition within his party in favor of a radical reformist agenda following the war. Having dislodged his early revolutionary and strictly anti-militarist views in favor of social corporatism, class collaboration and a reformist agenda involving few nationalizations but stable armed forces in order to secure neutrality, Hansson reluctantly agreed to a single-party government but dropped dead from a heart attack in Stockholm on 6 October 1946 while stepping off a tram at the Ålstens Gård station. He was, somewhat unexpectedly, succeeded as party chairman and Prime Minister by Minister of Education Tage Erlander, who consecutively held both offices until 1969, completing most of Hansson's legacy. Per Albin Hansson, seen often as the most successful Prime Minister in Swedish history, is interred in Norra begravningsplatsen in Stockholm.

• The birthplace of Per Albin Hansson

• Per Albin Hansson in his youth

• Communist caricature of Per Albin Hansson, portraying his transition from anti-militarist agitator to defense minister

• The newly appointed Swedish cabinet, assembled outside the Royal Palace in Stockholm, December 13, 1939.