Christian II (reigned 1513–1523) comes to power in Denmark the early sixteenth century.

He allegedly declared, "If the hat on my head knew what I was thinking, I would pull it off and throw it away."

This quotation apparently refers to his devious and Machiavellian political dealings.

He conquers Sweden in an attempt to reinforce the union, and has about one hundred leaders of the Swedish anti-unionist forces killed in what comes to be known as the Stockholm Bloodbath of November 1520.

The bloodbath destroys any lingering hope of Scandinavian union.