“Nothing stands in the way any longer of the production of firearms and canons. Footage recorded in a weapon factory in Liège shows the production of hunting guns, which can be purchased with floral or animal patterns. Weapons for killing animals are crafted carefully and partly by hand. Weapons for killing humans are made by machines and automats.” (Harun Farocki)
This is the first episode in a series about various immigrant groups in Sweden. The films provide historical and social background to the question of why these groups emigrated from their home countries. This episode focuses on Wallonia and its commercial relations with Sweden, on the history of armament and capital. The source of German Hanseatic power was largely due to a new type of boat, which could transport three times more cargo than the previous boat designs. Swedish customers freed themselves from foreign dependence by attracting foreigners of a different kind, mostly capital holders willing to invest heavily in Swedish industry. These business leaders enlisted manpower from Wallonia. In turn, this immigration, primarily of iron workers, laid the foundation for Sweden’s role as a future military and economic superpower. The iron cannons that were produced were sold for profit throughout Europe.
