Born: 16 June 1858
House: Bernadotte
Spouse(s): Victoria, daughter of Frederick I, grand duke of Baden, and Louise of Prussia
Predecessor: Oscar II
Reign: 1907 – 1950
Brief: Acting as king of Sweden through two world wars was a tough job for Gustav V. Born to a dynasty that had just become a constitutional monarchy prior to his ascension, Gustav was somewhat disappointed by his limited powers and used whatever he could to wield control over Sweden. In 1911, a liberal government was elected but Gustav meddled and the entirety of the government resigned in 1914, allowing Gustav to install a new government of his own. This government served against the wishes of Parliament throughout World War I, during which time Gustav V served as commander of the armed forces. In 1914, the king also met with the kings of Norway and Denmark to negotiate a triple alliance that denied participation in the war and emphasized Scandinavian unity. In 1917, a new liberal government was installed and Gustav reluctantly reclused himself from further governance. In the build-up to World War II, Gustav appeared to many as a Nazi sympathizer. During the war, he congratulated Hitler on attacking Russia even while suggesting that the Jews be treated more leniently. In 1941, Sweden was forced to allow German troops through Swedish territory to avoid war, a move that marred Gustav's legacy thereafter. Gustav did not appear publicly much after the war and died of complications related to the flu in 1950 at the age of 92.
Brief: Acting as king of Sweden through two world wars was a tough job for Gustav V. Born to a dynasty that had just become a constitutional monarchy prior to his ascension, Gustav was somewhat disappointed by his limited powers and used whatever he could to wield control over Sweden. In 1911, a liberal government was elected but Gustav meddled and the entirety of the government resigned in 1914, allowing Gustav to install a new government of his own. This government served against the wishes of Parliament throughout World War I, during which time Gustav V served as commander of the armed forces. In 1914, the king also met with the kings of Norway and Denmark to negotiate a triple alliance that denied participation in the war and emphasized Scandinavian unity. In 1917, a new liberal government was installed and Gustav reluctantly reclused himself from further governance. In the build-up to World War II, Gustav appeared to many as a Nazi sympathizer. During the war, he congratulated Hitler on attacking Russia even while suggesting that the Jews be treated more leniently. In 1941, Sweden was forced to allow German troops through Swedish territory to avoid war, a move that marred Gustav's legacy thereafter. Gustav did not appear publicly much after the war and died of complications related to the flu in 1950 at the age of 92.
Other Monarchs Who Died Today:
- Boleslaw III, duke of Poland (1138)
- Conradin, duke of Swabia (1268)
- Frederick I, margrave of Baden (1268)
- Stephen II, king of Serbia (1321)
- Mohammadu Maccido, sultan of Sokoto (2006)
