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284 A History of Sweden
strated that it would and could be saved. That was the
great difference between it and Poland, which to the
last was disintegrated, and therefore had been parti-
tioned.
The King’s Diplomacy. In his foreign policy Gusta-
vus was greatly aided by his chancellor, Ulric Scheffer,
whose cautious and unruffled calm made a wholesome
impression on the spirited and restless king. The rela-
tion between these two has, apart from certain differ-
ences, a well known parallel in Sweden’s earlier histo-
ry. Gustavus’ own inclination and aptitude lay toward
foreign relations. His keen insight and his artfulness
made him a skillful diplomat.
The Assistance of France. At this time, too, France
came to Sweden’s assistance. Her government would
not permit Russia and Prussia to become too powerful.
So she granted subsidies to Sweden for the strengthen-
ing of its defenses, and promised military aid in case
of need. She also let her ambassadors in St. Peters-
burg, Berlin, and Copenhagen make it known that an
attack on Sweden would entail a war with France.
C. REFORMS UNDER GUSTAVUS III
Currency Reform. A serious problem for Sweden at
this time was haw to be enabled to maintain her inde-
pendence. The various experiments of the Estates had
resulted in a heavy national debt and a ruined cur-
rency. First and foremost a thorough reform in the
currency must be made before any prosperity could
come to the various industries. The bank notes had,
it is true, risen somewhat in value during the adminis-
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