Public opinion and royal government in Denmark confronted with the French Revolution (1789-1799)

French revolutionary events had their impact on Denmark, an absolute monarchy marked by a fair degree of freedom of expression. The political debate became more lively as a result. But the royal government took pains to contain that debate within seemly limits. Any attack on Danish absolutism became a chargeable offence. At the outset of the French Revolution, the mood that dominated in Copenhagen was one of benevolence in the reforming circles close to the government. More liberal authors succumbed to the enthusiasm. The proclamation of the Republic and the execution of Louis XVI led to a split among those sympathetic to the Revolution. The reformers rejected the event completely, while the liberals radicalized their discourse and the polemical talents of M.C. Bruun and P.A. Heiberg hit their mark. The capital was also affected by popular unrest. Royal justice then came into its own. Finally, the royal government closed the public debate with its ordinance of 27 September 1799 ending freedom of expression.