King Gustav III of Sweden was shot at a masquerade ball on March 16, 1792, held at the Royal Opera House in Stockholm. The assailant, Jacob Johan Anckarström, approached the king during the festivities and shot him in the back, striking him dangerously close to the spine. This attack was not a random act of violence; it stemmed from the discontent among the Swedish nobility regarding Gustav's efforts to consolidate power and implement reforms that diminished their influence. The king's policies had created a rift between him and various factions within the aristocracy, setting the stage for this drastic action.

After being shot, Gustav III was taken to his chambers, where he received medical attention. His condition worsened over the next few days, and despite the efforts made by his physicians, he died on March 29, 1792. The assassination of the king not only resulted in his demise but also led to significant political upheaval in Sweden, as it sparked debates about governance and the power of the monarchy versus nobility. The assassination was viewed both as a politically motivated act and as a personal vendetta, ultimately leading to Anckarström's execution.

The implications of Gustav III’s assassination were profound, influencing the future course of Swedish politics. Following his death, the monarchy would grapple with the balance of power, leading to reforms that would seek to curb absolute monarchy and make concessions to the nobility. Additionally, his death intensified the existing class conflicts within Swedish society.