Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - XVIII. Reign of Chales XIII, 1809–1818 - B. The Election of a Crown Prince - C. Administration of Charles John as Crown Prince
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318 A History of Sweden
France were opposed by Bernadotte. But when all
efforts to check Napoleon’s ambition became futile,
Bernadotte entered into his service and won new glory.
He was raised by Napoleon to the position of mar-
shal and prince. The Emperor, however, entertained a
suspicion and distrust of his former opponent, and
hence his election as crown prince of Sweden did not
arouse the enthusiasm in Napoleon that the Swedes
had expected. As if anticipating some fateful reverses,
Napoleon sought to make him promise never to bear
arms against France. But Bernadotte’s duty as the
future king of an independent state forbade him to
bind his hands. "Well, then," said Napoleon, "go, and
may our destinies reach their fulfilment." When they
next met it was in a life-and-death struggle.
Charles John was the name that the founder of the
new royal family assumed as heir apparent to the Swed-
ish throne. In him Sweden received a new "charmer
king/’ As if by enchantment he won over all that came
into his presence. He was in the full vigor of his age.
His fiery southern manner and his bearing indi-
cated a bold energy in action a complete antithesis
to the feeble old man on the throne, who might at times
fall asleep in the midst of the discussions in the coun-
cil. Under such conditions the prince at once upon his
arrival in Sweden, in 1810, became the actual ruler.
The sleepy deliberations were at an end.
C. THE ADMINISTRATION OP CHARLES JOHN
AS CROWN PRINCE
Revolt of Sweden from French Subserviency. Sel-
dom has Sweden been in such dire need of a wise and
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