King Oscar I ascends to the throne…
March 1844 CE
Charles XIV John had begun to suspect in 1838 that his son was plotting with the Liberal politicians to bring about a change of ministry, or even his own abdication.
If Oscar did not actively assist the Opposition on this occasion, his disapprobation of his father's despotic behavior was notorious, though he avoided an actual rupture.
Yet his liberalism is of the most cautious and moderate character, as the Opposition—shortly after his accession to the thrones—discovers to their great chagrin.
The new king will not hear of any radical reform of the cumbersome and obsolete 1809 Instrument of Government, which makes the king a near-autocrat.
However, one of his earliest measures is to establish freedom of the press.