Gustav III of Sweden facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gustav III
Gustav III painted in 1777 by Alexander Roslin
King of Sweden
Reign	12 February 1771 – 29 March 1792
Coronation	29 May 1772
Predecessor	Adolf Frederick
Successor	Gustav IV Adolf
Born	24 January 1746 Stockholm, Sweden
Died	29 March 1792(1792-03-29) (aged 46) Stockholm Palace, Stockholm
Burial	13 April 1792 Riddarholmen Church, Stockholm
Spouse	Sophia Magdalena of Denmark
Issue More...	Gustav IV Adolf of Sweden Prince Carl Gustav, Duke of Småland
House	House of Holstein-Gottorp
Father	Adolf Frederick of Sweden
Mother	Louisa Ulrika of Prussia
Religion	Lutheran

Gustav III (24 January 1746 – 29 March 1792) was the King of Sweden from 1771 until his death in 1792. He was the oldest son of King Adolf Frederick and Queen Louise Ulrika. His mother was the sister of Frederick the Great, who was the King of Prussia.

Gustav III is known for bringing back strong royal power to Sweden. He also made many changes to the country's laws and culture. His time as king is often called the "Gustavian era."

Gustav III: Sweden's Enlightened King

Gustav III was born in Stockholm, Sweden, on January 24, 1746. He was the first child of the future King Adolf Frederick and Queen Louise Ulrika. From a young age, Gustav was very smart and interested in learning. He loved theater, art, and writing.

His mother, Queen Louise Ulrika, was a very educated woman. She made sure Gustav received a good education. He learned about history, politics, and the arts. These early lessons helped shape him into the king he would become.

Becoming King of Sweden

When his father, King Adolf Frederick, died in 1771, Gustav became the new King of Sweden. At this time, Sweden was ruled by a parliament, not the king. This period was known as the "Age of Liberty." The parliament had a lot of power, and the king had very little.

Gustav III believed that Sweden needed a stronger king. He thought this would make the country more stable. In 1772, he carried out a peaceful takeover of the government. This event is known as the "Revolution of 1772." He changed the laws so that the king would have more power again.

Important Changes During His Reign

As king, Gustav III made many important changes in Sweden. He wanted to make life better for his people.

• Legal Reforms: He worked to improve the justice system. He made laws fairer for everyone, even for people who were not rich or powerful.
• Economic Reforms: Gustav also tried to improve Sweden's economy. He encouraged trade and farming.
• Cultural Growth: Gustav III loved culture. He supported artists, writers, and musicians. He helped create the Swedish Academy, which still promotes the Swedish language today. He also built the Royal Swedish Opera and the Royal Dramatic Theatre. These places helped Swedish theater and music grow.
• Religious Freedom: He introduced some religious freedom. This was a big step for Sweden at the time.

Foreign Policy and Wars

Gustav III also focused on Sweden's role in the world. He wanted Sweden to be a strong and respected country.

• Russo-Swedish War (1788–1790): He led Sweden into a war against Russia. This war was fought to regain lands that Sweden had lost earlier. The war ended without a clear winner, but it showed Sweden's military strength.
• Neutrality: Gustav tried to keep Sweden neutral in other European conflicts. He wanted to protect Sweden's interests without getting involved in big wars.

The End of His Reign

Gustav III was a powerful king, but not everyone agreed with his changes. Some people thought he had too much power. On March 16, 1792, he was shot at a masked ball in Stockholm. He died from his injuries on March 29, 1792.

Gustav III's reign was a very important time for Sweden. He brought back royal power and helped develop Swedish culture. His legacy continues to be studied and remembered in Sweden.

Images for kids

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  Portrait of Sophia Magdalena of Denmark, painted by Alexander Roslin in 1775

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  Gustav III in 1772

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  Pope Pius VI and Gustav III

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  Coronation portrait of Gustav III by Alexander Roslin, c. 1777

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  Portrait of Gustav III in 1786 by Per Krafft the Elder

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  Trophies from the Battle of Svensksund brought into the Stockholm Cathedral, painting by Pehr Hilleström

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  Gustav as Apollo Belvedere dressed in the uniform of the Swedish Coastal Navy (Skärgårdsflottan), landing on the quays of Stockholm, returning from the war to offer a twig of peace to the burghers of Stockholm. Statue at Skeppsbron by Johan Tobias Sergel.

See also

In Spanish: Gustavo III de Suecia para niños