Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - XII. Reign of Charles XI, 1660–1697 - A. Period of the Regency, 1660–1672
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196 A History of Sweden
government was divided and weak. The worst was,
however, its extravagance. They distributed large
numbers of estates, and most liberally to themselves.
The resources of the realm diminished as in Christina’s
day. Means were not found for even the most necessary
expenses. Government officials and servants could not
The University of Lund.
get their salaries. They almost had to beg their bread,
or resort to accepting bribes. Soldiers deserted in
masses to escape starvation, and in the harbors costly
ships lay idle and rotting.
For this extravagance and mismanagement the most
culpable among the regents was Magnus De la Gardie.
From his many estates he had an immense income.
But "he could have consumed whole kingdoms had they
been in his power." So declared a contemporary.
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