A notable military victory for Gustavus Adolphus was the battle of Breitenfeld (1631). With a superb military machine with good weapons, excellent training, and effective field artillery, all backed by a highly efficient government back home that paid the bills on time. Gustavus Adolphus was poised to make himself a major European leader, but he was killed in battle in 1632. He was succeeded by Axel Oxenstierna (1583-1654), leader of the nobles. [[File:Sw-1617.jpg|thumb|560px]] | A notable military victory for Gustavus Adolphus was the battle of Breitenfeld (1631). With a superb military machine with good weapons, excellent training, and effective field artillery, all backed by a highly efficient government back home that paid the bills on time. Gustavus Adolphus was poised to make himself a major European leader, but he was killed in battle in 1632. He was succeeded by Axel Oxenstierna (1583-1654), leader of the nobles. [[File:Sw-1617.jpg|thumb|560px]] |