Niels Kaas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Niels Kaas
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| Chancellor of Denmark | |
| In office 1573–1594 |
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| Monarch | Frederick II Christian IV |
| Preceded by | Johan Friis |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1535 Stårupgård, Viborg Municipality, Denmark |
| Died | 29 June 1594 (aged 59–60) Copenhagen, Denmark–Norway |
| Residence | Copenhagen |
| Alma mater | Viborg School |
Niels Kaas (1535 – 29 June 1594) was a very important Danish politician. He worked as the Chancellor of Denmark from 1573 until he died. He helped make the Peace of Stettin happen. Niels Kaas also played a big part in raising Christian IV, who became king. He also helped the regions of Schleswig-Holstein become more independent.
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Niels Kaas: Early Life and Learning
Niels Kaas came from a noble family. His father died before he was born, and his mother passed away when he was only five. Because of this, his uncle, Mogens Kaas, raised him.
School Days and Studies
Niels went to school in Viborg for nine years. There, he focused on studying religion and old classical texts. In 1549, he moved to Copenhagen. A smart religious scholar named Niels Hemmingsen helped him continue his studies. Niels Kaas learned a lot about religion, Latin, and history from him.
In 1554, Niels Kaas traveled to Wittenberg to study with Philipp Melanchthon. He also studied in other cities like Frankfurt and Leuven. He even saw the Battle of St. Quentin in 1557, which was a big battle.
Niels Kaas's Political Career
Niels Kaas returned to Copenhagen in 1557. Three years later, he started working in the Danish government. His deep knowledge of history and Latin was very useful when Denmark talked with other countries.
Helping Denmark in Wars and Peace
During the Northern Seven Years' War, Niels Kaas stayed in Copenhagen. He helped with talks to make peace with Sweden in Roskilde. In 1570, he was key in finishing the Peace of Stettin. This treaty helped end the war.
After the Chancellor Johan Friis died in 1570, Niels Kaas was chosen as the new Chancellor in 1573. By 1575, he became the second most powerful person in Denmark. This happened after the Steward of the Realm, Peder Oxe, passed away.
Advising King Frederick II
King Frederick II really trusted Niels Kaas's skills in talking with other nations. As Chancellor, Kaas helped solve important questions about who would rule the duchies of Schleswig-Holstein. This was for John II, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Haderslev and John II, Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg in 1582.
Niels Kaas also served as the head of the University of Copenhagen. Under his leadership, the university started its first history professor position. He was very interested in science, especially the astronomy research of Tycho Brahe. He also loved history in general.
In 1587, Niels Kaas met with Scottish ambassadors. They wanted to talk about King James VI marrying a Danish princess. When King Frederick II died in 1588, Niels Kaas became a guardian of the government. He helped manage many issues, including the influence of the queen mother, Sophia.
King James VI later married Anne of Denmark. When he visited Denmark in 1589, he gave Niels Kaas a valuable gold chain.
Securing the Future of Denmark
In 1593, Niels Kaas helped the duchies of Schleswig-Holstein become free from the Holy Roman Empire. He also made sure that Frederick's son, Christian IV, would rule over them.
On his deathbed in 1594, Niels Kaas called the young King Christian IV. He gave the king important advice about how to lead the country. He also passed on the keys to the vault where the crown, scepter, sword, and orb were kept. These were the symbols of the kingdom. Niels Kaas told the king to rule with wisdom, justice, and care.
Images for kids
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Niels Kaas
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Christian IV receiving the keys of government from Niels Kaas
