Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - XVI. Reign of Gustavus III, 1771–1792 - A. The Coup d’Etat of 1772 - B. Gustavus Averts the Vengeance of the Neighbors
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Gtistavus III and Russia, 283
abolished. Conciliation and harmony were the watch-
words of Gustavus.
The report of the revolution was received through-
out the land as a deliverance. But the Russian ambas-
sador in Stockholm complained bitterly of the treach-
ery of his former friends, who now appeared with the
white badge on the arm, and did not even dare to visit
him. He felt alone and deserted.
B. GUSTAVUS AVERTS THE VENGEANCE OP THE
NEIGHBORS
Russia’s Vengeance held in Abeyance. Catherine II,
Russia’s proud mistress, stormed over Gustavus’ un-
expected attempts to deprive her of her expected prey.
For the present, however, she had to put up with it,
for her military forces were employed in Turkey and
Poland. But only for the present. By a hint from her,
Denmark and Prussia also restrained themselves for
the time being.
Gustaviis’ Preparation for Defense. Much depended
on the measures of the king in this delicate situation.
He hastened to put the most exposed part of the realm,
Finland, in a state of defense as far as his limited
means afforded. Soon, too, an earnest effort was made
to strengthen the naval defense. A strong fleet was
provided and the coast flotilla was strengthened. But
more respect was aroused among the impudent neigh-
bors when they saw that the Swedish people were
united around their king, so that no further oppor-
tunity was offered for outsiders to meddle in the do-
mestic affairs of the kingdom. Sweden had demon-
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