Page 13 - Axel von Fersen v2

King Gustav III
Gustav III is the Swedish king at the time and a person who adores the French royal family and their cultural influences. At an early age, Gustav and Fersen become close friends and share their love for France and the persistency of keeping the monarchies of Europe in power. Gustav is larger than life and at first he is a libertarian and becomes popular by changing many of the ancient laws in Sweden. But slowly he becomes a dictator, neglects his people and wants Sweden to play a more important role in world politics. He becomes a liability amongst the nobility and the army generals, and is killed at his own masquerade ball in Stockholm.
Gustav IV Adolf
Gustav IV Adolf becomes king after his father’s, Gustav III, death. He is more erratic and even more despotic than his father and starts war against Napoleon that also brings Sweden into war with Russia. The consequence is a disaster: Sweden loses Finland and the king is forced to step down as king and go into exile. A Swedish revolution is close but the generals are able to control the situation. But Sweden is left without an heir and Fersen, as Marshal of the Realm, is appointed to FInd a new king.
Characters