Frederick I of Sweden (d. 1751)

Frederick I, born on 28 April 1676 as a prince of the House of Hesse-Kassel and originally named Friedrich, led a life intertwined with significant shifts in European politics, particularly in Sweden. His journey saw him transition from a German prince to the Prince Consort of Sweden, then King of Sweden, and simultaneously Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel. He passed away on 5 April 1751, leaving behind a complex legacy that profoundly shaped the Swedish political landscape.

His initial connection to Sweden came through his marriage in 1715 to Princess Ulrika Eleonora, the younger sister of the formidable and absolutist King Charles XII. Upon his marriage, he became the Prince Consort of Sweden in 1718, a role he held for a brief but pivotal period.

The End of Absolutism and Accession to the Throne

Frederick's ascension to the Swedish throne was not a straightforward inheritance but rather a consequence of a dramatic political upheaval following the death of his brother-in-law, Charles XII. King Charles XII, a figure synonymous with military prowess and absolute rule, met his end in 1718 during the Great Northern War. His death marked the conclusion of the long-standing Swedish Empire and, crucially, the end of absolutism in Sweden. This period, known as the "Age of Liberty" (Frihetstiden), saw a profound shift of power from the monarch to the Riksdag of the Estates, Sweden's parliament.

Upon Charles XII's death, his sister Ulrika Eleonora was proclaimed Queen. However, her reign was short-lived. The Riksdag, seizing the opportunity to curb royal power, insisted that she relinquish most of her monarchical authority to them before they would confirm her as sovereign. Faced with these demands, Ulrika Eleonora ultimately chose to abdicate in 1720, after only two years on the throne. She did so in favor of her husband, Frederick, but not without first ensuring that the same constitutional limitations would apply to him. This effectively transformed the Swedish monarchy into a largely ceremonial role, with real power vested in the hands of the Riksdag.

A Dual Monarchy: King of Sweden and Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel

From 1720 until his death, Frederick I reigned as King of Sweden. Ten years into his Swedish kingship, in 1730, he also inherited the title of Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel, a principality within the Holy Roman Empire, upon the death of his father, Charles I. This meant Frederick simultaneously held two significant hereditary titles, though his physical presence and political focus remained primarily in Sweden. Despite his German origins, he adapted to his role as a constitutional monarch in Sweden, a stark contrast to the absolute rule that had characterized the preceding era.

The "Powerless" Reign and the Succession Crisis

Frederick's reign as King of Sweden is often characterized as "powerless" due to the significant transfer of authority to the Riksdag. He lacked the executive power held by previous Swedish monarchs and largely served as a figurehead. This era also saw the rise of political parties within the Riksdag, most notably the "Hats" (Hattarna) and the "Caps" (Mössorna).

A critical factor that complicated Frederick's reign and legacy was his lack of legitimate heirs. He and Ulrika Eleonora had no children, which meant the succession line for the Swedish throne was uncertain. This issue came to a head when the dominant Hat Party, known for its pro-revanchist sentiments and desire to reclaim territories lost to Russia during the Great Northern War, embarked on a new conflict: the War of the Hats (1741-1743). This war proved disastrous for Sweden, ending in a significant defeat at the hands of Imperial Russia.

The humiliating defeat had profound consequences for Swedish politics and the royal succession. Empress Elizabeth Petrovna of Russia, capitalizing on Sweden's weakness, heavily influenced the choice of the next Swedish monarch. She effectively dictated that Frederick's family, the House of Hesse, be eliminated from the line of succession. Instead, she pushed for the installation of Adolph Frederick of Holstein-Gottorp, a prince related to the Russian imperial family, as the designated successor. Thus, after Frederick I's death in 1751, Adolph Frederick ascended the Swedish throne, marking the end of the House of Hesse's brief tenure in the Swedish royal lineage.

Frederick I's Legacy

Despite his limited direct power, Frederick I's reign is a crucial chapter in Swedish history. It solidified the "Age of Liberty," establishing a period where the Riksdag held unprecedented influence, laying the groundwork for future parliamentary developments. His time on the throne also highlighted the delicate balance of power in 18th-century Europe, where the internal politics of one nation could be dramatically shaped by the external influence of formidable neighbors like Russia.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frederick I

When was Frederick I King of Sweden?
Frederick I was King of Sweden from 1720 until his death in 1751.
What was his role before becoming King?
He served as Prince Consort of Sweden from 1718 to 1720, through his marriage to Queen Ulrika Eleonora.
How did he become King of Sweden?
He ascended the throne after the death of his brother-in-law, Charles XII, and the subsequent abdication of his wife, Queen Ulrika Eleonora, who was compelled to relinquish significant powers to the Riksdag of the Estates before abdicating in his favor.
Was Frederick I an absolute monarch like his predecessor?
No, Frederick I's reign marked the end of absolutism in Sweden. He ruled as a constitutional monarch, with most governmental power vested in the Riksdag of the Estates, ushering in the "Age of Liberty."
What other title did Frederick I hold?
From 1730, he also held the title of Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel, a German principality, inherited from his father.
Why did his family lose the right to the Swedish throne?
Frederick I had no legitimate heirs. Following Sweden's defeat in the War of the Hats against Russia, Empress Elizabeth of Russia intervened, dictating that Frederick's family (the House of Hesse) be excluded from the succession, leading to Adolph Frederick of Holstein-Gottorp being named the successor.
What was the "Hat Party" mentioned in connection to his reign?
The Hat Party (Hattarna) was a dominant political faction during Sweden's "Age of Liberty." They advocated for a more assertive foreign policy, often with a desire for revenge against Russia to reclaim lost territories, which led to the disastrous War of the Hats.