Gustav I of Sweden

Reign: 1523 – 1560
Life: 1496–1560

He was known as Gustav I. He was previously self-recognised Protector of the Realm (Riksföreståndare) from 1521, during the Swedish War of Liberation against King Christian II of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Gustav rose to lead this war following the Stockholm Bloodbath, where his father was executed. Gustav's election as king on 6 June 1523 (the future National Day of Sweden) and his triumphant entry into Stockholm eleven days later marked Sweden's final secession from the Kalmar Union.

During Gustav I of Sweden's reign, Suleiman the Magnificent ruled Ottoman Empire, Henry VIII of England ruled England, and Jiajing Emperor of Ming ruled China.

Want to learn more? Further reading

A History of Scandinavia by T. K. Derry

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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Go deeper on Gustav I of Sweden

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A History of Scandinavia

T. K. Derry

Derry's survey, Gustav Vasa, the break with Rome, and Sweden's emergence as a hereditary monarchy.

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