Carl Fredrik Pechlin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carl Fredrik Pechlin
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1774 painting by Per Krafft the Elder
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| Born | 8 August 1720 |
| Died | 29 May 1796 (aged 75) |
| Political party | Hats, Caps |
Baron Carl Fredrik Pechlin (born August 8, 1720 – died May 29, 1796) was a Swedish politician. He was known for being a very influential person in the Swedish parliament during a time called the Age of Liberty.
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Carl Pechlin's Early Life and Career
Carl Fredrik Pechlin was born in 1720. His father was a minister from Holstein who worked in Stockholm. Carl moved to Sweden when he was six years old. He grew up and went to school in Sweden.
He later joined the Swedish army. He became a major-general. But he was most famous for his role in politics. People often called him the "General of the Riksdag." This was a nickname for his strong influence in the Swedish parliament.
Pechlin's Political Journey
Pechlin first became important in Swedish politics in 1760. He was known for often changing which political group he supported. This helped him gain power. At that time, Sweden had two main political groups: the Hats and the Caps.
In 1760, he switched sides to help the Hats party. This made the Caps party very angry. They managed to get him removed from the next two parliament meetings.
Later, in 1769, Pechlin changed his support again. He worked against important changes to Sweden's government. During a big change in 1772, he stayed out of sight.
Pechlin and King Gustavus III
In 1786, Carl Pechlin returned to the parliament. He became a leader for those who opposed King Gustavus III. Some people believed he was secretly working for the Russian government.
In 1789, King Gustavus III made big changes to the government. He wanted more power for himself. Pechlin was one of the politicians the King held until these changes were made. The King turned the government into a semi-absolute monarchy. This meant the King had much more control.
The Plot Against the King
It is believed that Pechlin was involved in a plan against King Gustavus III. This plan led to the King's death in 1792. The main people involved in the plot met at Pechlin's house. They talked about what kind of government Sweden should have after the King was gone.
Pechlin helped make sure many people involved in the plot were at a special event. This event was a masquerade where the King was attacked. But Pechlin himself was not there.
He was arrested a few days later. Even though it was hard to prove everything, he was found guilty. He was sent to a fortress called Varberg. He died there four years later.
Images for kids
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1774 painting by Per Krafft the Elder
