Gustav IV Adolf of Sweden

Gustav IV Adolf (November 1, 1778 – February 7, 1837), was King of Sweden from 1800 until his abdication in 1809. He was the son of Gustav III of Sweden and his queen consort Sophie Magdalen.

Coup d'Etat

His reign was ill fated and was to end abruptly. His policies had put Sweden at war, first with France and then with Russia which led to the loss of Finland. The loss represented a third of the Swedish realm and precipitated his arrest on March 13, 1809 which was successfully accomplished by a conspiracy of officers of the western army, headed by Adlersparre, the Anckarsvärds, and Adlercreutz, who had marched rapidly from Skåne to Stockholm. On March 13, 1809 seven of the conspirators broke into the royal apartments in the palace unannounced, seized the king, and conducted him to the château of Gripsholm; Duke Charles was easily persuaded to accept the leadership of a provisional government, which was proclaimed the same day; and a diet, hastily summoned, solemnly approved of the revolution.

Related Topics:
France - Russia - Finland - March 13 - 1809 - Adlersparre - Anckarsvärd - Adlercreutz - Skåne - Stockholm - Gripsholm - Charles

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~