The Swedish Field Marshal Lennart Torstensson, advancing from Bohemia, on December 12 crosses the southern frontier of Denmark.

The entire peninsula of Jutland is in the possession of the Swedish forces by the end of January 1644.

This totally unexpected attack, conducted from first to last with consummate ability and lightning-like rapidity, has a paralyzing effect upon Denmark.

Christian IV knows his duty—fortunately for his subjects, amid almost universal helplessness and confusion—and has the courage to do it.

Christian IV, displaying something of the magnificent energy of his triumphant youth, labors night and day to levy armies and equip fleets.

Fortunately for him, the Swedish government delays hostilities in Scania until February 1644, so that the Danes are able to make adequate defensive preparations and save the important fortress of Malmö.

Lennart Torstensson, the Swedish field marshal, is unable to cross from Jutland to Funen for want of a fleet, and the Dutch auxiliary fleet which comes to his assistance is defeated between the islands of Sylt and Rømø on the west coast of Schleswig by the Danish admirals.

Another attempt to transport Torstensson and his army to the Danish islands by a large Swedish fleet is frustrated by Christian IV in person on July 1, 1644, when the two fleets engage off Kolberge Heath, southeast of Kiel Bay.

Christian’s heroism will endear him ever after to the Danish nation.

As he stands on the quarter-deck of the Trinity a cannon close by is exploded by a Swedish cannonball, and splinters of wood and metal wound the king in thirteen places, blinding one eye and flinging him to the deck.

He is instantly on his feet again, crying with a loud voice that it is well with him, and sets an example to all by remaining on deck until the fight ends.

Darkness at last separates the contending fleets; the battle is a draw, the Danish fleet blockading the Swedish ships in Kiel Bay, but the Swedish fleet escapes.

Peace is finally signed on August 13, 1645, at Brömsebro, ending the Torstenson War between Sweden and Denmark-Norway.

Negotiations for the treaty had begun in February the same year.

The Second Treaty of Brömsebro (or the Peace of Brömsebro) ends Danish monopoly control over the Sound and Christian IV’s ambition to make of his nation a great power.

Denmark cedes to Sweden ...

...Gotland, ...

...Ösel and ...

...(for thirty years) Halland while ...

...Norway loses the two provinces Jämtland, which Norway has held since 1178, and ...