The Quarter Reduction of Charles X

Charles Gustavus selection as crown prince came about only with promises of change for the peasants and burghers at the Riksdag of 1650. Thus, when he succeeded Christina to the throne in 1654 he felt an obligation to lighten their burden as well as strengthen the state finances. As always, there were only two real ways of accomplishing this - reduction or increased contributions from the aristocracy. With great reluctance the nobles agreed to a limited reduction. After all, increased contributions were almost the same thing as paying taxes, something nobles simply didn't do.