Baltzar Julius Ernst von Platen (1804–1875) was a Swedish noble, naval officer, politician and diplomat. He served as minister for naval affairs for two terms between 1849 and 1852 and between 1862 and 1868 as well as foreign minister of the United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway for one year between 1871 and 1872.
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Biography
Being the son of navy officer Baltzar Bogislaus von Platen he was born 16 April 1804 in Frugården in Skaraborg County. At a young age he learned the basics of seamanship by serving several years on a Swedish merchant vessel. He was enrolled in the Swedish Navy at 17 years of age and was trained another during another four years of sailing on Swedish merchant vessels and in British Naval service. After his return to home in 1825, he was employed as aide to his father and then at the office of the general adjutant of the Swedish Navy. In 1830 he was promoted to first lieutenant. Following a conflict with his superiors he resigned from the navy in 1838 without having been promoted further.
Next, he occupied himself with various business ventures and politics. He was involved in the Göta Canal Company (where his father had had a leading role) and Motala Verkstad. He was active as a member of the liberal opposition, took active part in the 1840–1841 session of the Riksdag of the Estates, and advocated a continuation of his father's plans regarding the naval defence of Sweden.
King Oscar I named him one of his cabinet chamberlains in 1844. In April 1849 he was appointed minister for naval affairs and promoted to captain. At the 1850 parliament he presented detailed plans for a complete overhaul of the navy, whereby the ships of the line would be abolished and the Archipelago Fleet would make up the bulk of the navy's strength. This proposal was met with much resistance from the leading navy officers and did not pass through parliament. von Platen therefore resigned from his ministerial post in January 1852.