Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - XII. Reign of Charles XI, 1660–1697 - B. Personal Rule of Charles XI, 1672–1697
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Reign of Charles XI 199
The burghers and clergy proposed that the crown
of Denmark should be made hereditary in recognition
of Fredrick Ill’s services in the war. The council and
nobles opposed the measure. Then the gates were closed
so that the obstinate nobles could not escape, and the
burghers began to arm themselves. The nobles were
thus frightened into yielding. Shortly after this the
king published new laws, which made him an absolute
sovereign. No one now dared oppose him.
The one who really governed the kingdom during
the first years of Christian’s reign was his friend and
chancellor, Griffenfeldt. Though strong and healthy,
the king was, in natural endowments, far inferior to
his highly gifted minister. Griffenfeldt wished to unite
the northern kingdoms in an alliance against other
powers. But he was defeated by his jealous associates
and other opponents. They prevailed on the king to de-
clare war on Sweden, to arrest Griffenfeldt and accuse
him of treason against the state. The stroke came as a
clap of thunder from a clear sky. The chancellor could
not be convicted of the crime, but was nevertheless
condemned to death. Just before the execution was
to take place he was pardoned, but was kept in prison
till shortly before his death.
When the war opened, Charles XI placed his reliance
on his fleet. With it he hoped to ward off the war from
Sweden and effect a landing on Seeland. But when the
ships were finally ready to put to sea they were met
by autumn storms. The cordage of the ships was then
found to be rotten, and the ships were left without
both sails and anchors. Unwholesome food and lack
of fresh water had already caused sickness on board.
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