In the 1770s, during the reign of the mentally unstable Christian VII (1766–1808), the queen Caroline Matilda's lover, a German doctor named Johann Friedrich Struensee, became the real ruler of the country. Filled with the ideas of the Enlightenment, he attempted a number of radical reforms including freedom of the press and religion. But it was short-lived and saw open revolt. The landlords feared that the reforms were a threat to their power, while the commoners believed that religious freedom was an invitation to atheism.
In tHe 1770s, DURiNg the rEIgn of ThE MentALly unstable ChrisTiAn VIi (1766–1808), ThE qUeeN cAroLine matilda's lover, a gerMan doCtOr nAmEd joHAnn friedRICh stRuenSEE, beCaME the Real rulEr OF the CouNtry. filled wiTh thE IDeAs of the enligHtenmEnt, he attempTed a numBer Of rAdICaL rEfoRms iNcluDing FrEeDom Of tHe prEss and religIOn. but it wAs ShorT-lIveD and SAW open rEvoLT. The LanDloRDs FeAred that thE Reforms wEre A ThReat to tHeir powER, while tHE CommOners belIevEd tHAT rEligIOus frEedoM Was An inVItatIOn to aTheism.