The Vasa Dynasty (jan 1, 1523 – jan 1, 1668)
Description:
The Vasa Dynasty can be seen as the start of early-modern Sweden and the beginning of the Swedish Empire. Lead by Gustavus Vasa who lead Sweden in their Civil War, Sweden was originally a relatively poor and weak state. The Vasa dynasty grew rapidly in going into the 17th century. Especially during the Swedish intervention into the Thirty Years' War, Sweden was one of the most powerful states in all of Europe. Sadly, just as Sweden seemed to be gaining momentum, the premature death of their king Gustavus Adolphus slowed their progress.
The Vasa Dynasty was split into both Poland and Sweden. Sigismund III Vasa was formally king of Sweden but was renounced as he was a Catholic. He then became the King of Poland and invaded Sweden in the Polish-Sweden Wars. The Vasa Dynasty in Poland finally ended in 1668 when John II Casimir Vasa (A decedent of Sigismund) renounced his rights to the throne of Sweden following the events of the Swedish Deluge. Although the Vasa Dynasty technically ended in 1668, the decendents of Gustav Vasa ruled Sweden until 1818.
Added to timeline:
An Interactive Timeline on the History of Sweden
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