Johan Kristoffer During Swedish field marshal and politician. Date of Birth: 22.07.1695 Country: Sweden

1. Hessian Roots and Early Military Career
2. Swedish Service and Rise through the Ranks
3. Battles and Honors
4. Political Involvement and Shifting Alliances
5. Diplomatic Intrigues and Russian Influence
6. Reconciling with the Hats and Royal Opposition
7. Family and Legacy

Hessian Roots and Early Military Career

Johan Christoffer Düring was born in Germany to Colonel Johann Christoffer Düring and Baroness Anna Sabina Grothusen. Young Düring embarked on a military career, serving as a cornet in a Holstein dragoon regiment and participating in the Battle of Malplaquet in 1710.

Swedish Service and Rise through the Ranks

In 1712, Düring joined the Swedish army and was promoted to lieutenant colonel two years later. He distinguished himself in the Battle of Stralsund in 1715 and received the rank of colonel. After the capitulation of the city, he was captured by the Danes but allowed to reside in Hamburg. In 1717, he returned to Sweden and was appointed colonel of a German regiment.

Battles and Honors

Düring fought in the Siege of Fredrikshald in 1718 and defended Sweden's coast from Russian landings in 1719. That same year, he was awarded the title of baron. In 1721, he became "second colonel" of the Northern Scanian Cavalry Regiment, which he commanded from 1727. He rose through the ranks, becoming major general in 1730, lieutenant general in 1740, and general of the cavalry three years later.

Political Involvement and Shifting Alliances

As a supporter of revanchism against Russia, Düring was elected to the Secret Committee in 1738. However, he reconsidered his stance and opposed Sweden's involvement in war in the 1740-1741 Riksdag. During the Russo-Swedish War, Düring was offered command of Swedish forces in Finland but declined.

In the 1742-1743 Riksdag, Düring joined the Cap Party and advocated for the appointment of the Danish crown prince as heir to the Swedish throne. After the Riksdag, he traveled to Russia as an envoy and established valuable connections.

Diplomatic Intrigues and Russian Influence

Düring actively supported the overthrow of the Hat government in the 1746-1747 Riksdag with Russian funding. In 1748, he was awarded the Order of the Seraphim and promoted to field marshal in 1751. He also received the title of count that year and served as governor of Stockholm from 1753.

Reconciling with the Hats and Royal Opposition

Over time, Düring reconciled with the Hats, who brought him back into the Secret Committee in the 1755-1756 Riksdag. He vigorously opposed the king's attempts to increase his power.

Family and Legacy

Johan Christoffer Düring married Katarina Margareta Bonde, daughter of Count Karl Bonde, in 1720. As a skilled military commander, political figure, and diplomat, Düring played a significant role in Swedish history during the 18th century.