Gustav's 1772 coup restored royal power, and the 1789 Union and Security Act weakened noble privilege while concentrating decision-making in the crown. His version of enlightened absolutism encouraged liberty, culture, and reform while trusting the monarch alone to direct them. The 1788 war offered both a chance to recover Baltic influence and a political setting in which domestic opposition could be controlled. His use of war while consolidating authority makes the campaign both a contest with Russia and an instrument of regime-building at home.
Chapter · 2:37:46-2:47:26
Gustav III uses war to reinforce enlightened absolutism
Gustav III curbed noble and parliamentary power, widened formal participation, and launched war with Russia while consolidating his own authority.