Christian VII of Denmark vs Pakubuwono X

Christian VII, suffering from severe mental illness, appointed his personal physician Johann Friedrich Struensee as a minister. Struensee quickly gained influence over the king and effectively became the de facto ruler of Denmark-Norway, initiating a series of radical Enlightenment reforms.

Under Struensee's direction, a wave of reforms was enacted, including freedom of the press, abolition of torture, reform of the justice system, and reduction of noble privileges. These reforms were implemented rapidly and without consultation, alienating the nobility and conservative elements.

A conspiracy led by the queen dowager Juliana Maria and noble opponents resulted in Struensee's arrest. He was convicted of usurping royal authority and having an affair with Queen Caroline Matilda. Struensee was executed, and his reforms were largely reversed, restoring conservative rule.

After Struensee's fall, Christian VII remained king but was completely incapacitated by mental illness. A regency government was established, first under Juliana Maria and later under Crown Prince Frederick (future Frederick VI). Christian VII had no real power for the rest of his reign.

Pakubuwono X ascended the throne of the Surakarta Sunanate, a princely state in the Dutch East Indies. His reign was marked by cooperation with the Dutch colonial authorities, maintaining the traditional power structure under colonial rule.

Pakubuwono X maintained a close relationship with the Dutch colonial government, supporting their policies in Java. His cooperation helped preserve the Sunanate's privileges but also limited his authority, as real power remained with the Dutch.

Pakubuwono X oversaw the construction of the Pura Mangkunegaran palace complex in Surakarta, a major architectural project that blended Javanese and European styles. The palace became a symbol of his reign and Javanese cultural heritage.

Pakubuwono X died after a reign of 46 years, one of the longest in Javanese history. He was succeeded by his son, Pakubuwono XI, who continued the Sunanate's role under Dutch colonial rule until the Japanese occupation.