Struensee, Johann Friedrich

Struensee, Johann Friedrich

(yō`hän frē`drĭkh shtro͞o`ənzā, stro͞o`–), 1737–72, Danish politician, b. Germany. As physician to Christian VIIChristian VII,
1749–1808, king of Denmark and Norway (1766–1808), son and successor of Frederick V. Shortly after his accession his mental illness made him dependent on his physician, Struensee, who in 1770 caused the dismissal of minister of foreign affairs Johann
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 he gained complete mastery over the insane king and became the favorite of the young queen, Caroline Matilda. With her support he became (1771) minister of state, was created a count, and suppressed the privy council, which had limited the royal power. A virtual dictator, he accomplished industrial, commercial, and educational reforms; he attempted to free Denmark from Russian influence and to improve the condition of the peasantry. However, his ruthless methods provoked the enmity of the nobles, who terrorized the king into arresting him. He was accused of adultery with the queen and was executed.