Gustav IV Adolf of Sweden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gustav IV Adolf |
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Portrait by Per Krafft the Younger
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| King of Sweden | |
| Reign | 29 March 1792 – 29 March 1809 |
| Coronation | 3 April 1800 |
| Predecessor | Gustav III |
| Successor | Charles XIII |
| Born | 1 November 1778 Stockholm Palace, Sweden |
| Died | 7 February 1837 (aged 58) St. Gallen, Swiss Confederacy |
| Burial | Riddarholmen Church, Stockholm |
| Spouse | Frederica of Baden |
| Issue | Gustav, Prince of Vasa Sophie, Grand Duchess of Baden Cecilia, Grand Duchess of Oldenburg Princess Amalia |
| House | Holstein-Gottorp |
| Father | Gustav III of Sweden |
| Mother | Sophia Magdalena of Denmark |
| Religion | Lutheran |
Gustav IV Adolf was a king of Sweden who ruled from 1792 to 1809. He was born on November 1, 1778, in Stockholm Palace. His parents were King Gustav III and Queen Sophia Magdalena.
Gustav IV Adolf became king when he was only 14 years old, after his father passed away. He was a member of the House of Holstein-Gottorp, a royal family that ruled Sweden for many years.
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Becoming King
Gustav IV Adolf became king at a young age. Because he was so young, a special government was set up to help him rule. This was called a regency. The regency was led by his uncle, Duke Charles.
Early Reign and Coronation
Gustav IV Adolf officially took control of the government when he turned 18. His coronation, a special ceremony where he was crowned king, happened on April 3, 1800. This event took place in Norrköping, a city in Sweden.
Challenges and Changes
Gustav IV Adolf's time as king was full of big challenges. Europe was going through many changes, especially with the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte in France. Sweden had to decide how to deal with these powerful events.
Foreign Policy Decisions
King Gustav IV Adolf was very strong in his beliefs. He was against Napoleon and his growing power. This led Sweden to join alliances with other countries that also opposed Napoleon. These decisions had a big impact on Sweden.
War with Russia
One of the most important events during his rule was the Finnish War. This war was fought against Russia from 1808 to 1809. It was a very difficult war for Sweden.
Loss of Finland
As a result of the war, Sweden lost Finland to Russia. Finland had been a part of Sweden for hundreds of years. Losing Finland was a huge blow to the country and to King Gustav IV Adolf's rule.
End of His Reign
The loss of Finland and other problems led to a lot of unhappiness in Sweden. People were not happy with the way the country was being run.
The Coup of 1809
In 1809, a group of Swedish officers carried out a coup d'état. This means they took control of the government by force. King Gustav IV Adolf was arrested on March 13, 1809.
Abdication and Exile
After his arrest, Gustav IV Adolf was forced to give up his throne. This is called abdication. He abdicated on March 29, 1809. His uncle, Duke Charles, then became the new king, King Charles XIII.
Gustav IV Adolf and his family were sent away from Sweden. He lived the rest of his life in exile, which means living outside his home country. He passed away on February 7, 1837, in St. Gallen, Switzerland.
Family Life
Gustav IV Adolf was married to Frederica of Baden. They had several children together.
- Gustav, Prince of Vasa
- Sophie, Grand Duchess of Baden
- Cecilia, Grand Duchess of Oldenburg
- Princess Amalia
Images for kids
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Gustav Adolf at the age of seven
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Gustav IV Adolf's arrest
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Walking with his wife Queen Frederica
See also
In Spanish: Gustavo IV Adolfo de Suecia para niños
