During the 1990s, a major research project at the University of Gothenburg covered the history of the Swedish press. It resulted in several volumes, as well as many seminars and reports. For the project, Hans Bergström wrote this text about the important role played by the liberal press during the 1800s in lifting Sweden from being one of the poorest countries in Europe to becoming one of the most modern and prosperous. Corruption was eradicated with the help of a scrutinizing press, and Swedes acquired the habit of daily reading, developing in the process the ability as citizens to reflect also upon difficult issues.