A minor Stockholm disturbance in 1793 prompted the Swedish regent government to reverse liberal policies and impose strict curbs on public assembly.
Key Facts
- Date
- 7 January 1793
- Nature of riot
- Non-violent public demonstration
- Instigating incident
- Burgher men insulted by a royal guardsman
- Ebel's punishment
- Exile
- Other sentences
- Five persons imprisoned on bread and water
- Curfew imposed
- Public gathering places closed at 9 o'clock
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
A royal guardsman insulted a group of burgher men in Stockholm, provoking public grievance. The aggrieved men, led by a figure known as Ebel, gained the sympathy of bystanders, who joined them in seeking redress from the police and the Royal Palace.
On 7 January 1793, the crowd accompanied the burgher men to the police and then to the Royal Palace, where Ebel delivered a speech demanding action. The gathering was ultimately dispersed by the military. Despite its peaceful character, authorities interpreted it as a dangerous uprising.
Regent Duke Charles and Gustaf Adolf Reuterholm, reportedly frightened, reversed the guardian government's enlightened policies. Nils Henric Liljensparre was dismissed for exaggerating the riot, Ebel was exiled, five participants were imprisoned, all gatherings and private clubs were banned, and public establishments faced a nine o'clock closing order.
Political Outcome
Liberal policies reversed; public assembly banned; participants punished by exile or imprisonment
Relatively enlightened policy under the guardian government of Duke Charles and Reuterholm
Repressive measures curtailing public assembly, clubs, and gatherings in Sweden