Introducing freedom of the press in Denmark-Norway 1770-1773. The birth of modern debate in Denmark-Norway

The so-called Press Freedom Period (1770–1773) was a unique period in Danish-Norwegian history when censorship was abolished, creating an explosive public debate. The initiative was led by the German doctor Johann Friedrich Struensee, who implemented extensive reforms inspired by Enlightenment ideas. These included freedom of the press, rationalization of the state apparatus and a more unrestricted framework for public discussion. Pamphlets and small prints abounded, especially in Copenhagen, covering everything from political and economic debates to satire and religious criticism. Key discussions included the abolition of adscription, corruption in public office, and theological questions about the church’s role and the doctrines of faith. The anonymity of the debate allowed marginalized voices within society to be heard but, at the same time, opened the door to gross personal attacks and libel. Radical morality legislation, including the abolition of penalties for adultery and the opening of the King’s Garden to the public, was linked to rumors of Struensee’s intimate relationship with Queen Caroline Mathilde. These factors intensified criticism of the government and led to Struensee’s downfall in 1772 through a coup d’tat. Subsequently, freedom of the press was gradually restricted, and post-censorship was introduced in 1773. International media covered the events widely and reflected on Struensee’s reforms as part of a more extensive discussion about the legitimacy of absolute monarchy. While many at the time considered the Press Freedom Period as a vulgar stream of indecency, the period has since been recognized as a catalyst for the development of the Danish public sphere, where the free and rapid exchange of ideas, for the first time, challenged state control of debates.