Hats

political party, Sweden

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June 29, 2026

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The "Hats" were a political party in Sweden during the 18th-century Age of Freedom, a period of parliamentary government. This era, lasting from 1718 to 1772, saw a shift from absolutism to a system where power rested with the estates, meeting in the Diet. The Hats, along with their rivals the "Nightcaps" (or "Caps"), formed a dual-party system. The Hats were in power from 1738 to 1765. They pursued mercantilist policies and formed alliances with France for subsidies against Russia. Their attempts to boost Sweden's economy and engage in costly wars, however, led to inflation and financial collapse, ending their regime in 1765. Fredrik Axel von Fersen was a prominent leader of the Hat Party.123

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Sweden
The Age of Freedom (1718–72)
…“Nightcaps” (or “Caps”) and “Hats.” Both parties were mercantilist, but the Nightcaps were the more prudent. Up to 1738 the Nightcaps were in power. They led a most careful foreign policy so as not to provoke Russia. From 1738 to 1765 power passed to the Hats, who made treaties…
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…“Nightcaps” (or “Caps”) and “Hats.” Both parties were mercantilist, but the Nightcaps were the more prudent. Up to 1738 the Nightcaps were in power. They led a most careful foreign policy so as not to provoke Russia. From 1738 to 1765 power passed to the Hats, who made treaties…
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Adolf Frederick
…of Sweden by the “Hat” faction. His election was secured by the Russian empress Elizabeth, who, as a result of Russia’s defeat of Sweden in the 1741–43 war, was able to demand that Adolf Frederick be named heir under threat of Russian annexation of Finland and the eastern part…
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…of Sweden by the “Hat” faction. His election was secured by the Russian empress Elizabeth, who, as a result of Russia’s defeat of Sweden in the 1741–43 war, was able to demand that Adolf Frederick be named heir under threat of Russian annexation of Finland and the eastern part…
Read More