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Start of the Regency Rule
Charles XI, a Stockholm, Sweden native, became king when he was just four years old. This happened because his father, Charles X, had died. However, because he was a minor, he was incapable of ruling a country. This allowed a regency council, led by the King’s uncle, to rule until he came of age in 1672. -
Coming of Age / Start of the Personal Rule
Charles XI turned seventeen in 1672, but could not rule until 1674; regents still controlled foreign policy. He quickly eliminated nobles and took full control, claiming that Sweden needed a strong leader while they were at war. This was the start of his absolutist rule. He tried to ensure support by claiming that those who were against him did not care about what was good for Sweden. -
Battle of Lund
On this date, the Danes invaded the Swedish province of Scania with their army of thousands. They captured a few important towns and spend winter in Lund, a city in southern Scania. Charles XI refused to accept this and led his own army there. Between deaths and failed attacks, the fight was a struggle. Eventually, since the Swedish infantry had weakened, the cavalry fought back and defeated the Danes in this costly, bloody battle. Half the soldiers from each army were reported dead. -
Defeat of Danes in the Dutch War
Part of the foreign policy controlled by the old regency council was the signing of a treaty of alliance to King Louis XIV of France. Because it was convenient to the country, especially economically, they often alternated their alliance between this king and his enemies. Sweden got involved in the Dutch War under his command. Thanks to Charles XI, Sweden defeated Denmark and help the Dutch War come to an end. This also led to the signing of the Treaty of Lund, which occurred the following year. -
Treaty of Lund
The Treaty of Lund was signed to confirm peace and alliance. This allowed Sweden to keep the province of Scania and settle Danish competition over it. Denmark and Sweden formed an alliance after that, and they were against Dutch power. Charles XI married the Danish king’s sister, solidifying their partnership. Along with the Treaty of Lund, the Treaties of Nijmegen helped bring the war to an end. -
Changes in Government
The Swedish Parliament, also known as the Riksdag, was considered the lesser class of Sweden’s government. They declared that Charles XI was no longer bound the decisions of the Rad. The Rad was a part of the government that was already losing power. In addition, the Table of Ranks was introduced this year, which divided government work into military, civil, and court. -
Renaming of the Council / Actions Against Nobility
At this point in time, the absolutist government of Sweden had taken a turn. Previously, they had a Council of State, which was renamed the King’s Council. This was done to emphasize the supremacy of this one particular leader. These changes were also another action against nobility; around this time, he began taking more land for the crown, leaving nobility with less. -
Provocation of Denmark
As stated previously, Sweden and Denmark had formed an alliance against a different power after the Dutch War. The objective of protecting merchant shipping was involved in their partnership as well. However, a war almost started up between the two after Charles XI agreed with the words of a duke in Germany, better known as the duke of Holstein-Gottorp. -
God-Given Infinite Power
During this time, the Riksdag made another move in favor of the King. They claimed that he was “by God, Nature, and the Crown’s high, hereditary right… an absolute sovereign king.” Essentially, he was granted unrestricted power, which was difficult to argue against as the right to rule with such power was given by God himself, as well as the Crown. -
Treaty of Rijswijk
Besides playing a part in the end of the Dutch War, Charles XI was also involved in the end of the War of the Grand Alliance. This war was ended with the Treaty of Rijswijk, and this king served as a mediator for it. Though this was a role loved by many, he did not have too much power while this was occurring.