Sweden maintained a position of neutrality during both World Wars and this, in part at least, enabled her to build up an elaborate structure of welfare legislation that many larger nations were later to imitate. The first major step was the establishment in 1911 of old-age pensions. Economic prosperity based on its neutralist policy enabled Sweden, together with Norway, to pioneer in public health, housing, and job security programs. Forty-four years of Socialist government were ended in 1976 with the election of a conservative coalition. Presently, the Socialists were again returned to power, only to be ousted in September 1991. The new coalition of four conservative parties promised to reduce taxes and cut back on the welfare state but not alter Sweden's traditional neutrality. Under them, in a 1994 referendum, voters approved joining the European Union. Although supportive of a European monetary union, Sweden decided not to adopt the euro when it first appeared in 1999.
It is clear from the passage, that, in the, establishment of a welfare state, Sweden ____.
was actually imitating her neighbor, Norway
had to sacrifice her economic prosperity
was well ahead of most of the other European countries
gave prime importance to job security, not to health
led the way in Europe to start with but then fell behind most European countries
We understand from the passage that the neutrality of Sweden during the 20th century ____.
did not have the support of the young people in the country
meant that none of the members of the European Union welcomed her inclusion in the Union
was favored by Socialists and Conservatives alike
had an adverse effect upon her economy
was in sharp contrast with the earlier history of the country
As is pointed out in the passage, Sweden entered the European Union at the end of the 20th century, ____.
when the Socialists were in power
just a few years after Norway
but strongly opposed the idea of a common European currency
but retained her own monetary system
after agreeing to make cuts in public health programs and housing projects