Swedish Coup of 1772

Background. Sweden's Age of Liberty (1718–1772) had replaced an earlier absolutism with constitutional monarchy and parliamentary government under the 1720 Instrument of Government, which increased the power of the Riksdag of the Estates. Gustav III, king since 1771, opposed the political privileges seized by the nobility since Charles XII's death and, during the 1771–72 Riksdag, failed in his attempt to mediate between the fiercely warring parties.

The Coup of 19 August. On 19 August 1772 Gustav III executed his coup without a drop of blood being shed, making himself master of the Riksdag and the council. Preparations included supporters securing positions in the provinces: Toll won over the fortress of Kristianstad by bluff on 6 August, and on 16 August Sprengtporten surprised Sveaborg, though contrary winds prevented him from crossing to Stockholm.

Constitutional Settlement. On 20 August the estates adopted the 1772 Instrument of Government, a constitutional but in many respects unclear charter that divided power between the King and the Riksdag while strengthening the monarch. The coup ended the Age of Liberty and began the absolutist Gustavian era; Gustav then dictated a new oath of allegiance, which everyone signed without hesitation.