Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - XVI. Reign of Gustavus III, 1771–1792 - E. The King’s Reverses - F. The Russian War—First Part
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War with Ru-ssia and Denmark 293
of pleasure and his profligacy he was a dangerous
friend to the king, whose chief weakness was a thirst
for pleasure.
F. THE RUSSIAN WAR FIRST PART
Causes of the War. It was against Eussia that Gus-
tavus decided to turn his weapons. He hoped to return
in triumph to be cheered by his people and admired
by the world. He had, however, real and weighty
causes for such a war. For with Russia no permanent
peace was possible. The Empress Catherine had only
postponed her revenge to a more opportune time. For
a war with Russia, Gustavus had to keep himself in
readiness. His best policy would be to anticipate his
enemy by a bold attack when a favorable opportunity
offered itself. This came when Russia was engaged in
a new war with Turkey. St. Petersburg was now left
without defenders. Now, if ever, was the time.
But the constitution required the consent of the
Estates for engaging in aggressive wars. This Gusta-
vus knew he could never secure. In the meantime, it
happened that a small division of Cossacks crossed the
Finnish border and fired a few shots on a Swedish
frontier guard. Hence, it was Russia that broke the
peace, and Gustavus had a legal right and even the
duty to defend his country. So far, so good. But there
was a story current that the little skirmish was ar-
ranged by order of the king, who shortly before wrote
’to his friend and assistant, Armfelt: "Now it is time
to begin the war, that is, to get the Russians to make
trouble on the border." The invading Cossacks were
said to have been disguised Swedish soldiers. No won-
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