Gustav III of Sweden

Gustav III (13 January 1746 (O.S.) (24 January 1746 (N.S.))–March 29, 1792) was King of Sweden from 1771 until his death. He was the eldest son of King Adolf Frederick of Sweden and Louisa Ulrika of Prussia, sister of Frederick the Great.

Absolute Monarchy

The Riksdag of 1786 marks a turning-point in Gustav's history. Henceforth we observe a determination on his part to rule without a parliament; a passage, cautious and gradual, yet unflinching, from semi-constitutionalism to semi-absolutism. His opportunity came in 1788, when the political complications arising out of the war with Catherine II of Russia enabled him by the Act of Union and Security, on February 17, 1789 to override the opposition of the rebellious gentry, and, with the approbation of the three lower estates, establish a new and revolutionary constitution, in which, though the estates still held the power of the purse, the royal authority largely predominated. Throughout 1789 and 1790 Gustavus conducted the unequal struggle with Russia, finally winning in the Battle of Svensksund, on July 9, viewed as the most glorious naval victory ever gained by the Swedish arms. The Russians lost one-third of their fleet and 7,000 men. A month later, on August 14, 1790, peace was signed between Russia and Sweden at Värälä. Only eight months before, Catherine had declared that "the odious and revolting aggression" of the king of Sweden would be "forgiven" only if he "testified his repentance" by agreeing to a peace granting a general and unlimited amnesty to all his rebels, and consenting to a guarantee by the Swedish diet ("as it would be imprudent to confide in his good faith alone") for the observance of peace in the future. The Treaty of Värälä saved Sweden from any such humiliating concession, and in October 1791 Gustav concluded an eight years' defensive alliance with the empress, who thereby bound herself to pay her new ally annual subsidies amounting to 300,000 roubles.

Related Topics:
Semi-absolutism - 1788 - The war - Catherine II of Russia - Act of Union and Security - February 17 - 1789 - Gentry - Battle of Svensksund - July 9 - Swedish arms - August 14 - 1790 - Värälä - Treaty of Värälä - 1791

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Gustav now aimed at forming a league of princes against the Jacobins, and subordinated every other consideration to this goal. His profound knowledge of popular assemblies enabled him, alone among contemporary sovereigns, accurately to gauge from the first the scope and bearing of the French Revolution. But he was hampered by poverty and the jealousy of the other European Powers, and, after the brief Gävle diet January 22–February 24, 1792, he fell victim to a widespread aristocratic conspiracy. Shot in the back by Jacob Johan Anckarström at a midnight masquerade at the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm, on March 16, 1792, he died on March 29.

Related Topics:
Jacobin - French Revolution - Gävle - January 22 - February 24 - 1792 - Conspiracy - Shot in the back - Jacob Johan Anckarström - Masquerade - Royal Swedish Opera - March 16 - March 29

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