Study Notes: History of Denmark

1. Ancient and Early Medieval Periods

Prehistoric Denmark

• Stone Age (circa 12,000 BC): Earliest human settlements after the last Ice
Age.
• Bronze Age (circa 2000-500 BC): Notable for burial mounds and the
introduction of agriculture.
• Iron Age (circa 500 BC - 800 AD): Characterized by tribal societies and
fortified settlements. The period also saw the introduction of iron tools and
weapons.

Viking Age (circa 800-1050 AD)

• Expansion: Danish Vikings explored, raided, and traded across Europe. They
established settlements in the British Isles, Normandy, and Iceland.
• Notable Figures: King Harald Bluetooth, who united Denmark and Norway
and introduced Christianity.
• Jelling Stones: Rune stones erected by Harald Bluetooth, considered
Denmark's "birth certificate," symbolizing the country's transition to
Christianity and unification.

2. Middle Ages (circa 1050-1536)

Consolidation and Christianization

• Christianization: Continued under the rule of King Canute IV (Saint Canute),

who was canonized after his assassination in 1086.
• Feudal System: Denmark adopted the feudal system, with a strong monarchy
supported by a network of vassals.

Kalmar Union (1397-1523)

• Union Formation: Queen Margaret I of Denmark united Denmark, Norway,

and Sweden under the Kalmar Union.
• Union Dynamics: Although intended to be an equal partnership, the union
was dominated by Danish interests, leading to tensions with Sweden.
Reformation (1536)

• Lutheran Reformation: Denmark officially adopted Lutheranism under King

Christian III, leading to the establishment of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
and the dissolution of Catholic monasteries.

3. Early Modern Period (1536-1814)

Danish Empire

• Colonial Expansion: Denmark established colonies in the Caribbean (e.g., St.

Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix), India (e.g., Tranquebar), and West Africa (e.g.,
Danish Gold Coast).
• Wars with Sweden: Frequent conflicts, including the Dano-Swedish Wars,
ultimately resulted in territorial losses for Denmark.

Enlightenment and Absolutism

• Absolute Monarchy: Established in 1660 under King Frederick III, replacing

the elective monarchy with a hereditary one.
• Reforms: Enlightenment ideas led to agricultural reforms, improvements in
education, and legal reforms under King Frederick V and King Christian VII.

4. 19th Century
Napoleonic Wars and Territorial Losses

• Alliance with Napoleon: Led to the bombardment of Copenhagen by the

British and the loss of the Danish fleet in 1807.
• Treaty of Kiel (1814): Denmark ceded Norway to Sweden but retained
Greenland, Iceland, and the Faroe Islands.

Nationalism and Liberal Reforms

• Constitution of 1849: Denmark transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a

constitutional monarchy, establishing a parliamentary system.
• First Schleswig War (1848-1851): Conflict with Prussia over the duchies of
Schleswig and Holstein, resulting in a temporary Danish victory.

5. Modern Period (20th Century Onwards)

World War I

• Denmark remained neutral during the war, avoiding the widespread

devastation seen in other European countries.

World War II

• German Occupation (1940-1945): Denmark was occupied by Nazi Germany

but maintained a degree of autonomy initially. The Danish resistance
movement grew over time, leading to significant acts of sabotage and aiding
the escape of Danish Jews to Sweden.
• Liberation: Denmark was liberated by British forces in May 1945.

Post-War Period

• Social Welfare State: Post-war governments focused on building a

comprehensive welfare state, characterized by universal healthcare, education,
and social security.
• European Integration: Denmark joined the European Economic Community
(EEC) in 1973, which later became the European Union (EU).

Contemporary Denmark

• Modern Economy: Denmark has developed a high-tech and diverse economy

with strengths in pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and maritime shipping.
• Cultural Contributions: Renowned for its contributions to design,
architecture, literature, and cinema. Notable figures include writer Hans
Christian Andersen and philosopher Søren Kierkegaard.
• Green Initiatives: Denmark is a global leader in renewable energy,
particularly wind power, and aims to become carbon-neutral by 2050.