Charles XIV John of Sweden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Charles XIV Johnas King of Sweden Charles III John as King of Norway |
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Charles XIV John (king of Sweden and Norway.) Painting by François Gérard
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| King of Sweden and Norway | |
| Reign | 5 February 1818 – 8 March 1844 |
| Coronation | 11 May 1818 (Sweden) 7 September 1818 (Norway) |
| Predecessor | Charles XIII/II |
| Successor | Oscar I |
| Born | 26 January 1763 Pau, France |
| Died | 8 March 1844 (aged 81) Stockholm, Sweden |
| Burial | Riddarholmskyrkan, Stockholm, Sweden |
| Spouse | Désirée Clary (1798-1844, his death) |
| Issue | Oscar I |
| House | House of Bernadotte |
| Father | Henri Bernadotte |
| Mother | Jeanne de St. Vincent |
| Religion | Lutheran prev Roman Catholic |
| Signature |  |
Charles XIV John, also known as Carl John, was a very important person in the history of Sweden and Norway. He was born in France as Jean Bernadotte. He became the King of Sweden (as Charles XIV John) and King of Norway (as Charles III John) in 1818. He ruled both countries until he passed away in 1844.
Before becoming a king, he was a French soldier. He even became a Marshal of France under Napoleon Bonaparte. His journey from a French general to a Scandinavian king is quite amazing!
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Born in France
Jean-Baptiste Jules Bernadotte was born on January 26, 1763. His birthplace was Pau, a town in the south of France. His father was a lawyer. Jean-Baptiste started his life as a regular person, not a prince or a noble.
Joining the Army
At 17, he joined the French army. This was in 1780. He quickly showed he was a skilled soldier. He rose through the ranks during the French Revolutionary Wars. These were big wars that changed France.
Working with Napoleon
Bernadotte became a general. He served with Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon was a very famous French military leader. Bernadotte was known for being brave and smart in battles. He became one of Napoleon's most trusted marshals.
Becoming Crown Prince of Sweden
A New Opportunity
In 1810, something unexpected happened. Sweden needed a new heir to the throne. The Swedish king, Charles XIII, had no children. The Swedish Parliament chose Bernadotte. They asked him to become the Crown Prince.
Why Bernadotte?
This choice might seem strange. Why pick a French general? Sweden hoped that Bernadotte's connection to Napoleon would help them. They wanted to get back Finland, which they had lost to Russia. Bernadotte was also seen as a strong and capable leader.
Arrival in Sweden
Bernadotte accepted the offer. He changed his name to Charles John. He also changed his religion from Catholic to Lutheran. This was important because Sweden was a Lutheran country. He arrived in Sweden in 1810. He was adopted by King Charles XIII.
King of Sweden and Norway
Taking the Throne
Charles John became king in 1818. He was crowned King Charles XIV John of Sweden. He was also crowned King Charles III John of Norway. At this time, Sweden and Norway were united. They shared the same king.
His Reign as King
As king, Charles John focused on peace. He wanted to avoid wars. He also worked to improve the economy. He helped build new roads and canals. He was very careful with money. He made sure the countries were stable.
Union with Norway
The union between Sweden and Norway was important. Charles John worked to keep it strong. He respected Norway's separate laws and culture. He visited Norway often. He was the first king of the new Bernadotte royal family.
Legacy and Later Life
A Long Reign
Charles XIV John ruled for 26 years. He died on March 8, 1844. He was 81 years old. His son, Oscar I, became the next king. The House of Bernadotte still rules Sweden today.
Remembered Today
Charles XIV John is remembered as a wise king. He brought peace and stability to Sweden and Norway. He helped shape modern Scandinavia. Many statues and places are named after him. He was a truly unique leader.
Images for kids
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Bernadotte's birthplace in Pau, France
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Bust of a young Bernadotte at the Bernadotte Museum in Pau, France
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Statue in Norrköping erected in 1846
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Coronation of Charles XIV John as King of Sweden in Stockholm Cathedral
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Coronation of Charles III John as King of Norway in Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim
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Equestrian statue in Stockholm depicting Charles XIV John
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The monument outside the Royal Palace in Oslo
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Charles John's porphyry sarcophagus
See also
In Spanish: Carlos XIV Juan de Suecia para niños
