Gustavus III, (1746- 1792), reigned from 1771 to 1792. His reign is marked by strife. He struck at the power of the nobles, reducing their council to the rank of an advisory committee. This measure was popular, but during a war with Russia a few of the disaffected nobles formed a conspiracy and procured his assassination. His death was like that of President Lincoln. He was shot at Stockholm in the opera house, March 16, 1792. With this monarch constitutional government began in Sweden.

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