In his effort to modernize Sweden and gain more power, the king had instituted a more efficient system for tax collection.

Dacke and his army reached as far north as Mjölby at the fringes of the Östergötland plains (Östgötaslätten [sv]) and enjoyed widespread support around Sommen and Ydre.

[3] Local aristocrat Måns Johansson (Natt och Dag) sided with the king despite having a troublesome relation to him.

In March 1543 Gustav Vasa ordered his army of Swedish recruits and German landsknecht mercenaries to attack Småland.

According to legend, his body was taken to Kalmar, where his head was publicly displayed wearing a crown of copper, as a warning to others.

Unrest in Ydre continued well after the death of Dacke and ended only after Gustav Vasa sent a force of 400 men to pacify the hundred.