Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden

Gustav II Adolf (December 9, 1594 – November 6, 1632 O.S.), widely known by the Latinized name Gustavus Adolphus and referred to by Protestant's as the Lion of the North, was King of Sweden from 1611 until his death. He is the only Swedish king to be styled "the Great". He was born in Stockholm, the son of Charles IX of the Vasa dynasty and Christina of Holstein-Gottorp.

Timeline

• May 1630. Gustav lands with his army in Pomerania. On July 6 he lands in Germany.
• September 1631. At the Battle of Breitenfeld, Gustav decisively defeats the Catholic forces led by Tilly, even after the allied Protestant Saxon army was routed and fled with the baggage train.
• March 1632. At the Battle of Lech, Gustav defeats Tilly once more, and in the battle Tilly sustains a fatal wound.
• April 1632. Battle of Rain.
• May 1632. Munich yields to the Swedish army.
• September 1632. Gustav attacks the stronghold of Alte Feste, which is under the command of Wallenstein, but is repulsed. This leads to defection of some mercenary elements in the Protestant army.
• November 1632. The Battle of Lützen, Gustav is killed but the Swedes win the day and defeat Wallenstein. The Swedish war effort was kept up by generals Horn, Banér, Torstensson and chancellor Oxenstierna until the Peace of Westphalia.

A history of Adolphus' wars was written by Johann Philipp Abelin.

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The Day of Gustav Adolph is revered each year on November 6 in Sweden. On this day a special pastry, with a chocolate medallion of the king, is sold. The day is also an official flag day in the Swedish calendar.

Related Topics:
November 6 - Flag day

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