Curt von Stedingk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Field Marshal
Count Curt von Stedingk
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Portrait of Stedingk by Carl Wilhelm Nordgren
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| Birth name | Curt Bogislaus Ludvig Christopher von Stedingk |
| Born | 26 October 1746 Swedish Pomerania, Sweden |
| Died | 7 January 1837 (aged 90) Stockholm, Sweden |
| Allegiance |  Sweden Kingdom of France (1766–1783) United States (1779–1783) |
| Service/ |
Swedish Army French Army Continental Army |
| Years of service | 1766–1826 |
| Rank | Field Marshal (Sweden) Colonel (France) |
| Unit | Régiment Royal-Suédois |
| Battles/wars | American War of Independence
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| Awards | Royal Order of the Seraphim Order of the Sword Lord of the Realm Order of St. Alexander Nevsky Order of Military Merit Order of St. Andrew Society of the Cincinnati |
| Children | Maria Fredrica |
| Relations | Kristoffer Adam Stedingk (father) Kristina Charlotta von Schwerin (mother) |
| Other work | Diplomat Politician |
Curt Bogislaus Ludvig Kristoffer von Stedingk (born October 26, 1746 – died January 7, 1837) was a very important Swedish count, soldier, and diplomat. He was part of the von Stedingk family. He played a big role in Sweden's foreign policy for many years. He fought in several wars and helped Sweden make peace with other countries.
Contents
Biography
Early Life
Curt von Stedingk was born in Swedish Pomerania on October 26, 1746. His father was Major Kristoffer Adam Stedingk. His mother was Countess Kristina Charlotta von Schwerin. Her father was a famous Field Marshal named Kurt Christoph von Schwerin.
Curt married Ulrika Fredrika Ekström. They had one son and five daughters. One of his daughters, Maria Fredrica von Stedingk, became a composer.
When Curt was 13, he was an ensign in the Crown Prince of Sweden's army. This was during the Seven Years' War. Sweden was fighting against Prussia at that time. After the war, he became friends with the Swedish crown prince.
Military Adventures
After studying at Uppsala University, Curt von Stedingk started his military career in 1763. He quickly moved up the ranks in the Royal Suédois regiment in France. This regiment was owned by his friend, Count Axel von Fersen the Elder. Curt von Stedingk was also friends with King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. He spent a lot of time at the Palace of Versailles. By 1783, he was in charge of a large army unit in Finland, which was then part of Sweden.
Fighting for America
During the American Revolutionary War, France sent soldiers to help the American colonies. Curt von Stedingk went to America in 1779 with these troops. They were led by Marquis de LaFayette.
At the Siege of Savannah in October 1779, he led an attack. He even managed to place the American flag on the enemy's trenches. But he was wounded and had to retreat. For his bravery, he received an award from France and a lifetime pension.
He was also a hero at the naval Battle of Grenada in 1779. For his actions in battle, George Washington made him a member of the Society of the Cincinnati in 1783.
Wars in Europe
During the Russo-Swedish War (1788–1790), King Gustav III started a war in 1788. Curt von Stedingk was in charge of defending Savolax. His forces were often outnumbered, but they still defeated the Russian army many times. Because of this, von Stedingk was promoted to major general.
Later, he fought against Napoleon in the Battle of Leipzig in 1813. He successfully led the Swedish troops in this important battle. After this, he was promoted to Field Marshal, which is a very high military rank.
A Diplomat's Role
Curt von Stedingk also served as an Ambassador to Russia in St. Petersburg. He held this important job for almost 20 years in total.
During the Russo-Swedish War of 1808–1809, he was the commander-in-chief in Finland. Finland was still part of Sweden at that time. Thanks to his good relationship with the Russian Imperial Family, he helped make the peace terms less harsh for Sweden. This was important when Finland was lost to Russia.
Later Life
Curt von Stedingk died in Stockholm at the age of 90. People say that King Charles XIV John and the Swedish armed forces were very sad when he passed away.
Images for kids
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Portrait of Stedingk by Carl Wilhelm Nordgren
