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Georg Heinrich von GortzSwedish statesman of German origin
Date of Birth: 01.01.1668
Country:  Sweden |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Rise to Power in Holstein
- Rise in Sweden under Charles XII
- Arrest and Execution
- Legacy and Rehabilitation
Early Life and Education
Georg Heinrich von Görtz was born in 1668 into a German family in what is now Sweden. Son of Captain Philipp Friedrich von Görtz, he studied at the University of Jena.
Rise to Power in Holstein
At the age of 30, Görtz entered the service of Duke Frederick IV of Holstein as a chamberlain. His talents earned him the positions of privy councilor and member of the Holstein government by 1702. Following the Duke's death, he gained significant influence over his widow and the Duke-Administrator Christian August. However, his exercise of power sparked discontent, forcing him to leave Holstein.
Rise in Sweden under Charles XII
Görtz subsequently encountered King Charles XII, who had returned from Turkey, and gradually gained his trust. He was soon granted almost unlimited authority over Sweden's domestic and economic policies. As a result, he issued a vast amount of unsecured currency to fund the Great Northern War.
Arrest and Execution
Görtz's unpopularity meant that he was immediately arrested upon the news of Charles XII's death in 1718. A commission of 14 members was formed to investigate his activities. On February 11, 1719, the investigation concluded, resulting in his sentence of death. He was executed on March 19th.
Legacy and Rehabilitation
Görtz left a request to have inscribed on his tomb: "Mors regis, fides in regem, mors mea" (The King's death, my loyalty to the King - my death). In 1724, he was posthumously rehabilitated on the basis that he acted under the King's orders, and his confiscated property was returned to his heirs.
