1775-1800

The time of peace lasted to the end of the century, and neutral Denmark continued to enjoy economic benefits due to the fact that the rest of Europe was at war most of the time. At the same time a Danish nationalist tendency made its mark. The Law of Naturalization was introduced in 1776; it was meant to ensure that state offices could only be occupied by Danes.

In 1784 Crown Prince Frederik (VI) carried out a coup d’état, and Ove Høegh-Guldberg and Queen Dowager Juliane Marie lost power. Formally, Denmark was still ruled by the ill Christian VII, but the Crown Prince was now the real leader of the Kingdom. Adscription was abolished in 1788 during the rule of Frederik.

Christiansborg Palace burned down in 1794 and had to be abandoned as a Royal residence. Instead the King and the Crown Prince moved to Amalienborg Palace. The end of the 18th century was strongly influenced by Neo-classicism, with Jens Juel as an important representative in art.

Relations