Denmark

In 911, a large Viking fleet under the leadership of Rollo laid siege to the city of Paris. This event marked a significant moment in the history of Frankish-Viking relations. Despite being repelled, the siege led to the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte, granting Rollo land that would later become Normandy.

On June 17, 1397, the Kalmar Union was established, uniting the three Scandinavian kingdoms of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden under a single monarch. This union was intended to defend the countries against German expansion and lasted until 1523 when Sweden broke away.

The Treaty of Roskilde was signed on February 26, 1658, ending the Northern Wars between Denmark-Norway and Sweden. This treaty resulted in Denmark ceding significant territories to Sweden, including Scania, Halland, and Blekinge, drastically reducing Danish influence in the region.

The Battle of Copenhagen was a naval battle on April 2, 1801, between the British and the Danish-Norwegian fleet. It was part of the Napoleonic Wars, where Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson led the British to a tactical victory, though Denmark managed to retain most of its ships.

On June 5, 1849, Denmark adopted a new constitution, transforming the nation from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. This event marked a significant shift in power from the monarchy to the parliament, laying the foundation for modern Danish democracy.

The Battle of Dybbøl on April 18, 1864, was a significant event in the Second Schleswig War between Denmark and the German Confederation led by Prussia and Austria. The Danish defeat led to the loss of the duchies of Schleswig, Holstein, and Lauenburg, altering Danish territorial boundaries.

On June 28, 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand sparked World War I. Denmark declared neutrality, maintaining its neutral stance throughout the war. Danish neutrality helped keep the country out of the hostilities, though it faced economic challenges and pressures from both warring sides.

On April 9, 1940, Nazi Germany invaded Denmark as part of Operation Weserübung, which also included the invasion of Norway. Denmark was occupied by German forces until May 1945, though it maintained a level of political control through cooperation with the occupiers to avoid harsh military rule.

During World War II, while Denmark was occupied by Nazi Germany, Iceland took the opportunity to sever its ties, declaring independence on October 23, 1944. This event ended the union with Denmark and Iceland became a republic marking a crucial development in both nations’ histories.

In a referendum on September 24, 1972, Danish citizens voted to join the European Communities, the precursor to the European Union. The treaty of accession was ratified, and on January 1, 1973, Denmark became a member, marking a significant step in its integration into European economic and political frameworks.

The Øresund Bridge was officially opened on June 28, 2000, connecting Denmark with Sweden. This bridge and tunnel link across the Øresund Strait has facilitated significant economic and cultural exchanges between the two nations, becoming a crucial transport link in Scandinavia.

On July 6, 2015, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark attended ceremonies marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli in Turkey. Denmark, having remained neutral during WWI, took part in the commemorations as a gesture of peace and reconciliation alongside representatives from other nations.