Axel, Count Oxenstierna summary

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Axel, Count Oxenstierna, (born June 16, 1583, Fånö, near Uppsala, Swed.—died Aug. 28, 1654, Stockholm), Swedish statesman. Born into a noble family, he became a member of the council of state and in 1612 was appointed chancellor by Gustav II Adolf. He worked with the king to stabilize administrative reforms. As a diplomat, he negotiated peace treaties with Denmark (1613) and Poland (1622). In the Thirty Years’ War, he was appointed governor-general of Prussia (1626) and military commander in Germany (1631). He directed Swedish policy in Germany until 1636, when he returned to Sweden. As a regent during Queen Christina’s minority (1636–44), he effectively ruled the country.

government Summary

Government, the political system by which a country or community is administered and regulated. Most of the key words commonly used to describe governments—words such as monarchy, oligarchy, and democracy—are of Greek or Roman origin. They have been current for more than 2,000 years and have not

diplomacy Summary

Diplomacy, the established method of influencing the decisions and behaviour of foreign governments and peoples through dialogue, negotiation, and other measures short of war or violence. Modern diplomatic practices are a product of the post-Renaissance European state system. Historically,

Sweden Summary

Sweden, country located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in northern Europe. The name Sweden was derived from the Svear, or Suiones, a people mentioned as early as 98 ce by the Roman author Tacitus. The country’s ancient name was Svithiod. Stockholm has been the permanent capital since 1523. Sweden