History of Denmark: Century by century

To understand the history of Denmark, I think that show the history century by century is the easiest way to learn the history of this country. First of all, we have to know that Denmark is one of the oldest countries of the world. The vikings were the most famous citizens of Denmark. They appeared during the Iron Age. The word "Denmark" comes from a stone called "Jelling Stone". The word was carved on this stone.

XI Century: The vikings lived in Denmark. They were traders and adventurers. They travelled around Europe on board of a ships called "drakkars". In the photo we can see one of these ships travelling around the sea. The best place in Denmark to see things from the vikings is Roskilde. The vikings didn't become christians until the end of the century under the influence of other countries of Europe. At this moment, the vikings had the control of Scandinavia.  

XII Century: Valdemar I of Denmark founded the city of Copenhague.

XII Century: Denmark created his first constitution. Copenhague became an important commercial city. We have to know that Denmark is located between Russia and Mediterranean Sea.

   

XIV Century: The danish traders began to compete against the Hansa traders. On this century Norway, Sweden and Denmark signed an alliance to protect against the Germanic Countries.

XV Century: The Kalmar Union help Denmark to control Sweden and Norway, so this countries became an officially Danish territory.  

XVI Century: Sweden didn't accept the control of Denmark so after a century full of wars, Sweden got the independence from Denmark. Also the Luter Reform arrived in Denmark changing most of the religious feelings in Denmark.  

XVII Century: Christian IV got built a lot of castles and palaces in Copenhague. Copenhague became an aristocratic city.  

XVIII Century: The danish kings created a social rights for the population much better than the french rights after the revolution. Denmark became one of the most advanced countries in Europe.

XIX Century: Denmark took part in the Napoleonic Wars. Denmark allied with France. Due to this aliance, England government got angry and bombed Copenhague. Denmark was defeated and Norway got the independence. However, this century was a period of social, economic and politic development so Denmark created a new constitution(1849).

  

XX Century: Denmark was occupied by the German army during the Second World War. Denmark help Jewish people to escape from the German Army through the sea. Denmark took part on the OTAN. Denmark is a member of the European Union since 1972.  

XXI Century: Denmark refuses the Euro after a Referendum. Right now Denmark is governed by Margrethe II(Queen) and Helle-Thorning-Schmidt(prime minister). Both are women.

                                                                                                                         ARTURO JUÁREZ