OSCAR 1., JOSEPH-FRANCIS, king of Sweden and Norway, was b. at Paris, July 4,. 1799, and was the only issue of the marriage of Charles XIV. (q.v.), fOrmerly marshal Bernadotte, with Desiree Clary, the daughter of a .Marseillais merchant, and sister of madame Joseph Bonaparte. After the election of his father as crown-prince of Sweden, Oscar received the title of duke of Sudermania, and was placed under the tutelage of the poet Atterbom, for the purpose of acquiring the Swedish language. In 1818 he entered the university of Upsala, where his education was completed. The effects of the thorough training he received were seen in his remarkable proficiency in science, literature, and especially the fine arts. For some time he gave himself up almost entirely to the study of music, and composed various pieces, including an opera, and several waltzes, marches, etc.; he is also the author of several songs and hymns, some of which are still popular. He also published memoirs on education and penal establishments. What is of more consequence, he became thoroughly imbued with the national senti ments, and after his admission to a share in the administration, opposed, though with becoming filial respect, the pro-Russian policy of his father. This course of conduct rendered him immensely popular, and on March 8, 1844, his accession to the throne was hailed with rapture by the great majority of his subjects. His rule was distinguished
for its liberality and.justice; and many liberal measures, such as those for the removal of Jewish disabilities, freedom of manufactures and commerce, and parliamentary reform (the last-mentioned being vigorously opposed by the nobility), were laid before the riksday by his orders. He introduced these changes with caution and gentleness, and had the gratification of seeing, in most cases, his prudence crowned with success. His foreign policy was of an independent and anti-Russian character, and during the Crimean war he joined (Nov. 21, 1855) the king of Denmark in a declaration of armed neutrality, which gradually assumed a more hostile attitude to Russia, and would have inevitably led to war, had not the Paris treaty so rapidly succeeded. His attitude at this time gained him general favor and respect throughout Europe. On July 19, 1823, he married Josephine 13eaultarnais. the granddaughter of the empress Josephine, by whom he had five children, the eldest of whom, on account of his father's failing health, was appointed regent, Sept. 25, 1857, and succeeded to the throne as Charles XV. on.
the death of Oscar, July 8, 1859. Charles XV. died Sept. 18, 1872, and was succeeded by his brother as Oscar II.