History of Denmark

The first settlements on the territory of modern Denmark are dated by the period of Bronze Age. This supposition was proved by such finds, as ancient musical instruments, weapons and sacrificial markings. As for the Danes, the founders of the country, they moved to Denmark from Sweden. In the Middle Ages the country together with Sweden and Norway entered Kalmar Union. The Reformation influenced Denmark greatly as well as other countries. Denmark was converted to Lutheranism, then, almost two centuries of war with Sweden followed, which really exhausted the country. Jutland was occupied after the defeat of the King’s forces.

Trying to protect the country, Denmark joined the League of Armed Neutrality during the Napoleonic Wars. But such position didn’t keep Denmark from losses. Copenhagen was attacked by British army and totally destroyed. After the country left Danish-Norway Union, it came to an agreement with Sweden, which guaranteed Denmark the unity of its colonies: Greenland, Iceland and the Faeroe Islands. In both wars (World War I and World War II) Denmark kept the neutrality. In 1948 Iceland successfully declared its independence. Denmark is considered to be a member of many international organizations. It became one of the founders of the United Nations and NATO, later it joined the European Union.