Deposition of Gustav IV Adolf of Sweden on March 28, 1809

On March 28, 1809, a pivotal event occurred in Swedish history when King Gustav IV Adolf was deposed in a coup d’état. This event significantly altered the course of Swedish politics and set the stage for a new era under the Bernadotte dynasty.

Background

Gustav IV Adolf ascended to the Swedish throne in 1792 at the age of 14 after the assassination of his father, Gustav III. His reign, marked by a strong opposition to Napoleon and alliances with various European states, was turbulent. The king’s decision to align with Russia, and then against it, exemplified erratic foreign policies that isolated Sweden diplomatically.

A critical focus of his reign was the Finnish War (1808–1809), where Sweden found itself at war with Russia following pressure from Napoleon. The conflict ended disastrously for Sweden, resulting in the Treaty of Fredrikshamn on September 17, 1809, where Finland was ceded to Russia, permanently altering Sweden’s territorial integrity and national psyche.

The Coup d’État

The loss of Finland became the last straw for many in the Swedish political and military elite, who had grown disillusioned with the king’s leadership. On March 28, 1809, forces led by disgruntled officers and nobles, including members of the Anjala conspiracy who had previously attempted a coup against his father, arrested Gustav IV Adolf. The coup was relatively bloodless, as the king was quickly overpowered and placed under house arrest.

Aftermath and Consequences

Following the coup, the Swedish Riksdag declared that Gustav IV Adolf and his heirs were unfit to rule. By an overwhelming decision, the Riksdag officially deposed him, and he was exiled. With Gustav IV Adolf’s deposition, the era known as the Gustavian period ended, and the Swedish monarchy underwent reorganization.

His uncle, Charles XIII, was installed as king. However, given Charles XIII’s lack of heirs and advancing age, the monarchy needed a viable dynastic solution. This paved the way for the ascension of Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, a French Marshal under Napoleon, who was elected Crown Prince as Charles XIV John. Thus began the Bernadotte dynasty, transforming Swedish politics with his election in 1810 and leading to significant modernization efforts in subsequent years.

Significance

The deposition of Gustav IV Adolf marked a turning point in Swedish history. It underscored the failure of monarchical absolutism and foreign policy blunders, prompting constitutional reform and a shift towards a parliamentary system. Furthermore, the election of Bernadotte as heir ushered in a period of stability, neutrality in foreign policy, and reforms that have lasting effects on Sweden’s development.