Gustav III of Sweden

Gustav III staged a bloodless coup, seizing absolute power from the Swedish parliament. He abolished the Age of Liberty constitution and restored royal authority. This event marked a shift from parliamentary rule to enlightened despotism, with Gustav III implementing reforms in law, economy, and culture.

Gustav III founded the Swedish Academy, modeled after the French Academy, to promote the Swedish language and literature. The academy became a prestigious institution, awarding literary prizes. This action reflected Gustav III's patronage of the arts and his desire to elevate Swedish culture.

Gustav III initiated a war against Russia to regain territories lost in previous conflicts. The war ended with the Treaty of V

Gustav III was shot in the back during a masked ball at the Royal Opera House in Stockholm by Jacob Johan Anckarstr