Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - First part - II. The Swedish People - 1. Survey of its History. By E. Svensén, Author, Stockholm - Modern Times (from 1523 onwards)
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88
II. TH B SWEDISH PEOPLE.
Influenced by Svedenborg, Wadström, a Swede, was the first in Europe to
lift up his voice on behalf of the abolition of negro-slavery, being thus a
precursor of Wilberforce, and, as such, much esteemed both in England and
in France, in which latter country he received the distinction of being elected
a citizen.
But the King soon tired of his work of reform, and involved himself and
his land in economical difficulties. He knew of no other means to save himself
from the growing opposition than a war with Russia; a war that was, however,
carried ou with honour, making the position of Sweden in regard to that
powerful neighbour, for the time being, secure. He could vanquish the opposition of the
irritated nobility only by means of a new coup d’état in 1789, which came near
re-establishing autocracy. Three years later he fell victim to an assassin, goaded
by the intense fury which his unconstitutional policy had awakened, especially
amongst the nobility.
Drottningholm Palace. At Lake Mälaren.
The royal autocracy was, however, inherited by his son, Gnstaviis IV
Adolphus (1792/1809), one of the most disastrous sovereigns who ever had the
guidance of the fates of Sweden. He was undoubtedly fully imbued with the
most honourable intentions, but his limited mental powers rendered him at last
impossible as a king. His fanatical detestation of the universal conqueror, Napoleon,
whom he believed himself called upon to overthrow, caused the latter to awaken the
enmity of Russia towards Sweden, and the war of 1808/09 brought about the
loss of Finland, a country which had so long faithfully shared the vicissitudes
of Sweden, and, thanks to their union, also had its part in the culture of western
Europe. In order to save the kingdom from ruin, the deposition of the king,
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