Johan Göransson Gyllenstierna

He completed his studies at Uppsala University and then visited most of the European states, which laid the foundation for his deep insight into international politics which afterwards distinguished him.

His adversaries vainly endeavoured to gain his favour, for as court-marshal and senator he was still more hostile to the dominant patricians who followed the adventurous policy of Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie.

Thus he opposed the French alliance which de la Gardie carried through in 1672 and consistently advocated economy in domestic and neutrality in foreign affairs.

[1] On the outbreak of the Scanian War in 1675 he was the most loyal and energetic supporter of the young king Charles XI and finally became his indispensable counsellor.

The alliance which he then concluded with Denmark bound the two northern realms together in a common foreign policy, and he sought to facilitate their harmonious co-operation by every means possible.