Oxenstierna, << UK suhn `shair` na, >> Axel Gustafsson (1583-1654), a Swedish statesman, was adviser to King Gustavus Adolphus. Oxenstierna’s brilliance as a statesman helped the king achieve great military victories. Oxenstierna served as chancellor from 1612 until his death on Aug. 28, 1654. He reorganized Sweden’s government and helped the country achieve its greatest influence in Europe.
Oxenstierna carried out important diplomatic missions for Gustavus Adolphus during the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648), a struggle between Roman Catholics and Protestants. After Gustavus died in battle in 1632, Oxenstierna directed Sweden’s foreign affairs and provided vital leadership throughout the war. From 1636 to 1644, he headed the regency (temporary ruling group) that ruled Sweden during Queen Christina’s childhood. Oxenstierna was born in Fånö, Sweden, on June 16, 1583.
