Born: 19 December 1594.
Died: 16 November 1632.
Nicknamed “The Lion of the North”, Gustavus Adolphus is widely considered the father of modern warfare. Although most famous for his intervention in the Thirty Years War in 1630-32, Gustavus Adolphus's career started when he was only sixteen years old, fighting and learning the art of war through conflicts with Denmark, Poland, and Russia. In his battles, he emphasized flexibility and firepower over massed formations and the “push of the pike” characteristic in the warfare of his period. Indeed, his brilliant military tactics make Gustavus Adolphus one of the greatest field commanders of all time, and his victory at the Battle of Breitenfeld a tactical masterpiece on par with Cannae and Austerlitz.
Historical Background
Gustavus Adolphus was born Gustaf Adolf II on 19 December 1594 in Stockholm, Sweden, to Charles IX and Christina of Holstein-Gottorp. In 1611, at 16 years old, Gustavus Adolphus became king of Sweden, although he wasn’t officially crowned until 1617. He inherited three wars against Denmark, Russia, and Poland, with the first two being concluded in 1613 and 1617, respectively. In 1620, Gustavus married Maria Eleonora of Brandenburg, and the couple had a daughter named Christina in 1626. In 1621, Sweden resumed its war with Poland, and Gustavus won two major victories at Walhof (1626) and Dirschau (1627) before ending the war in 1629 with the Treaty of Altmark. In 1630, Gustavus landed in Germany with an army of 15,000 soldiers to intervene on the Protestant side in the Thirty Years War. After winning a major victory at Breitenfeld (1631), Gustavus campaigned throughout Germany before being killed at Lutzen (1632) at 37 years old.
Historical Influences
Gustavus Adolphus was primarily influenced by his Lutheran faith, Johan Schroderus, and Maurice of Nassau. Lutheranism was a branch of Protestantism derived from the teachings of Martin Luther (1483-1546). Lutheranism permeated many northern European states, including Sweden, which created widespread conflict with those still loyal to the Pope and the Catholic Church. In addition, Gustavus received his early education from Johan Schroderus, who taught the young prince seven different languages (German, Dutch, French, Italian, Latin, English and Spanish), the intricacies of the Swedish court and military training. Indeed, Gustavus was influenced by the military theories of Maurice of Nassau (1567-1625), who had fought Spain in the Dutch Revolt. With his experiences in the Polish-Swedish War, Gustavus developed these two systems into an effective combined-arms warfare, emphasizing cavalry as a shock force and musketeers and artillery firing massed rounds to break open enemy lines for the pikemen to penetrate. As stated by R.G. Grant, “Building up his armed forces and learning how to win battles was, for Gustavus, essential to survival” (Grant, 2010, p.144).
Key Battle
Gustavus Adolphus’ signature battle was the Battle of Breitenfeld (1631). In the battle, Swedish artillery and musketeers inflicted severe casualties on Count Tilly's army, while the Imperialist infantry and cavalry on the right wing routed the Saxon army under John George. As the Imperialist forces attempted to envelop the Swedish left flank, which was left exposed by the flight of its Saxon allies, Gustavus brought up his reserves at a right angle to create a new left flank. At the same time, he led his right-wing cavalry in a right hook towards the rear of the Imperialist army. Once there, the Swedes captured the Imperial artillery and brilliantly used them to fire upon the Imperialist army, who panicked and fled the battlefield.
Historical Significance
Gustavus Adolphus was a military genius whose character and career have earned him comparisons with Alexander the Great. Gustavus introduced a new type of army that encouraged soldiers to see themselves as professionals and individuals. Under his rule, armies were given uniforms (the first in modern military history), and while discipline was still strict, it was based on good sense and justice, with medical services and chaplains supplied to care for soldiers. Despite his relatively short reign, Gustavus Adolphus made Sweden a great European power that would dominate the Baltic until its defeat by Russia in the Great Northern War (1700-1721). In addition, Gustavus’ intervention in the Thirty Years War turned the tide in favour of the Protestants, who had not won a major victory until Breitenfeld. It can be argued that if Gustavus had not fallen at the Battle of Lutzen, the length of the Thirty Years War would have been halved. Ultimately, Gustavus’ military genius and leadership would earn him the recognition of Napoleon Bonaparte, who would place him among the greatest generals the world had seen.
Bibliography
Asadi, Aaron. All About History Book of Kings & Queens. London, Imagine Publishing, 2014.
Grant, R.G. Commanders: History’s Greatest Military Leaders. London, Dorling Kindersley, 2010.
Regan, Geoffrey. Battles That Changed History: Fifty Decisive Battles Spanning Over 2,500 Years of Warfare. London, Andre Deutsch, 2002.
Walter, Johann Jacob. “Gustave Adolphe at Breitenfeld.” Wikimedia Commons. Last revised December 30, 2016. www.commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gustave_Adolphe_at_Breitenfeld-Johann_Walter-f3706497.jpg
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