Fersen, Count Fredrik Axel
Fersen, Count Fredrik Axel
(frā`drĭk äk`səl fĕr`sən), 1719–94, Swedish politician and soldier. He served (1743–48) in the French army and retired as brigadier general. As lieutenant general in the Swedish army (1750–57), he distinguished himself in the Seven Years WarSeven Years War,1756–63, worldwide war fought in Europe, North America, and India between France, Austria, Russia, Saxony, Sweden, and (after 1762) Spain on the one side and Prussia, Great Britain, and Hanover on the other.
..... Click the link for more information. . Fersen was a leader of the noble faction called the Hats. After the coup of Gustavus IIIGustavus III,
1746–92, king of Sweden (1771–92), son and successor of Adolphus Frederick. When Gustavus ascended the throne, he found his kingdom torn by civil strife.
..... Click the link for more information. , he became the king's adviser. At the diet of 1789 he opposed the king's war policy and was arrested. He was soon released, and he retired from politics. His history of 18th-century Sweden (largely autobiographical) is more interesting than accurate.