Poul Christian Stemann

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Poul Christian (von) Stemann, April 14, 1764-November 25, 1855, Danish state official and leading minister 1827-48.

Stemann belonged to an old civil servants family of German origin that has created many Danish local officials. As a young man he was relatively liberal later changing into deep conservatism. Being the son of a supporter of Ove Høegh-Guldberg he had his early state career hampered by political reasons. Instead he made himself a career in the Supreme Court besides establishing himself as a squire. 1798-1827 he was amtman (prefect) of Sorø and showed himself a very industrious, masterful and active local official who attracted the attention of King Frederick VI.

1827 Stemann was appointed President of Danish Chancellery (Home Office) and Minister of Juridical Affairs and from then he was for twenty years the last ”prime minister” of Danish absolutism (though not officially presiding in the State Council until 1842). His work fell in an age of growing opposition and reform demands of which he (like his royal employer) clearly disapproved. He reluctantly accepted the creation of Assemblies of Estates in the 1830s but tried to limit their influence as much as possible, counteracting the moderate conservative wing of the government as well as concessions to the liberal opposition. To the latter Stemann stood as the reactionary, unimaginative and authoritarian bureaucrat himself. Later historians have varied this verdict but as a whole he is still regarded a very traditional representative of the non-enlightened absolutism regarding the squires as the fundament of the state. He was also an enemy of the Schleswig-Holstein movement but it is still discussed whether this was due to his national feelings or to his disapproval of all opposition.

During the reign of Christian VIII Stemann continued in office but with less influence. At the fall of absolutism March 1848 he was dismissed together with the other cabinet ministers, which marked the end of his direct political power. However for some years he played a minor role behind the scenes as councillor of conservative politicians.

He was an uncle of the conservative minister Frederik Ferdinand von Tillisch.


Referencies:

  • Dansk Biografisk Leksikon, vol. 14, 1983.
  • Salmonsens Konversationsleksikon, vol. XXII, 1927.
  • Svend Thorsen: De danske ministerier, vol 1., Copenh. 1967.
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