Charles XIV John vs Louis XIII of France

After the death of the heir apparent, the Swedish Riksdag elected French Marshal Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte as Crown Prince. He was adopted by King Charles XIII. This unexpected choice was driven by a desire for a strong military leader to secure Sweden's interests against Russia and Napoleon.

As Crown Prince, Charles John (Bernadotte) led Sweden into the Sixth Coalition against Napoleon. He commanded the Swedish army and the Northern Army of the Coalition. His decision to join the allies was crucial in tipping the balance against Napoleon and securing Sweden's post-war position.

As a result of the Treaty of Kiel, Sweden forced Denmark to cede Norway. Charles John then led a military campaign to enforce the union, culminating in the Convention of Moss. Norway entered a personal union with Sweden under King Charles XIII, with Charles John as de facto ruler.

Upon the death of King Charles XIII, Bernadotte ascended the throne as Charles XIV John of Sweden and Norway. He founded the House of Bernadotte, which continues to reign in Sweden. His reign marked the beginning of a long period of peace and neutrality for Sweden.

Louis XIII appointed Armand Jean du Plessis, Cardinal Richelieu, as his chief minister. This decision established a partnership that centralized royal authority, suppressed Huguenot political power, and involved France in the Thirty Years' War against the Habsburgs.

Louis XIII and Richelieu besieged the Huguenot stronghold of La Rochelle for 14 months. The city surrendered in October 1628, ending Huguenot political and military autonomy in France and consolidating royal power.

Louis XIII's mother, Marie de' Medici, and other nobles attempted to force the dismissal of Richelieu. Louis XIII publicly sided with Richelieu, exiling his mother and confirming Richelieu's position as the dominant minister, solidifying absolutist rule.

Louis XIII declared war on Spain, bringing France openly into the Thirty Years' War. This intervention shifted the balance of power, leading to French victories and the eventual weakening of Habsburg dominance in Europe.

After 23 years of childless marriage, Louis XIII's wife Anne of Austria gave birth to a son, the future Louis XIV. This event secured the Bourbon succession and ended a potential succession crisis.