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Gustavus Adolphus Takes The Throne
After the death of his father, Charles IX, the sixteen year old Gustavus Adolphus takes power in the Swedish monarchy. Adolphus inherits several conflicts with other nations from his father, and many doubt his ability to lead. -
Period: to
30 Years War
Involving the vast majority of European nations, this was the largest conflct in human history for many decades. Sweden gains great territory and establishes itself as a european power, but by the end of the war in 1648 they had lost some ground to Germanic states. -
Taking Territory
After a few years of setbacks, Gustavus Adolphus scores victory after victory against Russia and Poland, seizing great swaths of land. Many begin to speculate that Gustavus Adolphus was sent by god himself to fulfill an ancient Swedish prophecy that a Lion would come from the north to defeat a great Eagle in the south (often though to be referencing the Holy Roman Empire). Adolphus earns the title of "Lion From The North", and there are few who do not fear his name. -
Death of Gustavus Adolphus-Battle of Lutzen
Gustavus Adolphus is killed at the battle of Lutzen, one of the most decisive battles in the 30 years war. His death leaves the Swedes disorganized and weakened, which causes them to loose ground in the following years. -
Battle of Prague
Even after the treaty of Westphalia effectively ended the war, Swedish forces continued to operate in Polish territory. Seeking to disprove Prague's reputation of being impregnable, Carl Gustav marched troops to Prague's borders and laid siege to the city. After initial advances, Swedish forces were repelled by the citizens of Prague despite their smaller numbers and lack of military training. The siege ceased on October 30 1648 when word finally spread that the treaty had been signed. -
Charles XI's Reign Begins
After a 15 year caretaker government following the death of his father, Charles XI was awarded control over the throne of Sweden. He was shy, fickle, and led Sweden to times of economic hardship for many years of his reign. -
Formation Of The Carolean Army
In 1682, King Charles XI started to reorganize the Swedish army, which proved to be rather weak in the Scanian wars during his early reign. Each province was bound by contract to raise and supply a regiment of 1200 men, called Caroleans (in reflection of their king's name, Charles/Karl). They were trained to not open fire until they could see the white of their enemies' eyes and were feverishly devout in their faith. -
The Reign Of Carolus Rex Begins
Charles XII, also known as Carolus Rex, became King of Sweden on 5th April 1697 at the age of 15, following the death of his father Charles X1. Sweden was attacked on three fronts: by Russia, by Poland, and by Denmark. They were all convinced that Sweden, led by an inexperienced teenage King, would be easy prey. However, the young King quickly lined up several victories. When they attacked, he was often in the first rank. -
Battle Of Fraustadt
Facing an army over twice the size, Carolus Rex led his men to an overwhelming victory at Fraustadt against the Saxon forces which sought to stop his relentless advance. The bloody result of the battle cemented the legendary skill of Carolus Rex in the minds of every last European. -
Defeat At Poltava
The Battle of Poltava on the 28th of June 1709 was the decisive victory for Russia. It was the beginning of Sweden’s decline as a great power, as the Tsardom of Russia took its place as the leading nation of north-eastern Europe. Because of the harsh winter of 1708 and a prior series of military defeats, the Swedish army’s situation had become precarious. The Swedish assault on the Russian line was quickly disintegrated, with some men throwing their weapons on the ground and fleeing. -
Collapse Of The Empire
By 1721, most of the Carolean Army had been killed in action, and Carolus Rex had died under mysterious circumstances. Faced with opposition on all fronts and with no resources left to fight with, Sweden resigned its former territory and power to those it had conquered years prior.