Danmark....A Peaceful History?

Danish History begins thousands of years ago, much like the rest of the world, but the history that matters to our subjects comes much more recently. The most famous period in Danish History comes from the Viking era, about 800-1100 A.C.E., where the Vikings attacked, raided, colonized, and explored much of Europe, Asia, and North America. Denmark then evolved into the most powerful of the Nordic monarchies, over Sweden and Norway, controlling nearly all of Northern Europe. In the 1300's Denmark formed the Kalamar Union with Norway and Sweden, which essentially made all three equal in the governing process, but eventually the Danish King rose above them all claiming sole authority over all three kingdoms. But following Sweden's forceful departure from the Union, Denmark and Sweden fought many wars. During the Napoleonic Wars they were pitted against each other, with Sweden taking England's side and Denmark taking France's side. Sweden ended up winning the war over Denmark and recieved Norway as its prize. After the Napoleonic wars Denmark disappeared from the international scene as a major power, instead focusing on itself and reforms it needed in its own country. In the 20th century Denmark followed a new path, one of peace and remained neutral in both World Wars, despite being invaded in World War II by the Germans. since their liberation Denmark has been focused on peacemaking throughout the world lending aid to those countries most in need, especially in Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Africa. Denamrk was also one of the founding members of the United Nations and NATO, testament to its commitment to Peace. It joined the European Union in 1973 and continues to pursue peacemaking operations in some of the most volatile regions of the world including: Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia, Eithiopia, Korea, Bosnia, Cyprus, Croatia, and Kosovo.

-Ross