Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - XVI. Reign of Gustavus III, 1771–1792 - A. The Coup d’Etat of 1772
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282 A History of Sweden
ashamed to speak of it. Born a Swede, and king of
Sweden, it should be impossible for me to believe that
foreign aims could control Swedish statesmen, and
further that the foulest means have been employed for
this purpose. You know what I mean, and my feelings
of shame may lead you to see into what disgrace your
dissensions have plunged the kingdom."
The king closed by assuring the Estates that it was
license and not liberty he wished to abolish. Hence,
he caused to be read before the Estates a proposed
new constitution, restoring the power of the king. By
this constitution Gustavus III sought to restore that
of Gustavus Adolphus. Power was divided equally be-
tween the king and the Estates. The Estates levied
the taxes and together with the king made the laws.
Without the consent of the Estates the king could not
begin aggressive wars. The Council was appointed by
the king and responsible to him alone. Its function was
solely advisory. The king was required to consult the
Council only on important matters.
This constitution was unanimously adopted and by
oath confirmed by the Estates. The members who
would have opposed it could not, or dared not, for the
king had the army and the people on his side. Thus
fell the power of the Estates without a hand raised
for its support. The "Era of Liberty" was at an end, a
new era had begun.
The Conclusion. The revolution had been effected
without bloodshed and almost without the use of force.
Only the most prominent of the party leaders had been
kept under guard. They were now released. The hate-
ful and infamous party names, Hats and Caps, were
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