Page 638 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Europe

636  SC ANDINA VIA

instigated a huge program of construction was occupied by the Nazis, a move that
that provided Denmark with a number heralded the development of a huge
of architectural masterpieces, such as resistance movement. Social reforms
the Rosenborg Slot in Copenhagen continued after the war, and in the
(see p643). 1960s, laws were passed allowing
By the 18th century, Denmark abortion on demand and the
had discovered lucrative trading abolition of all forms of
opportunities in the Far East, censorship. In 1972,
and consolidated its position Denmark became the first
in the Baltic. However, an Scandinavian country to join
alliance with the French in the the European Community,
Napoleonic Wars (1803–15) and has developed a
led to the bombardment of reputation for addressing
Copenhagen by Britain’s Admiral environmental issues and
Nelson, and King Frederik VI was supporting the economies
forced to hand over Norway to Christian IV of Denmark of developing nations. Langesund,
Larvik
Sweden in 1814. (1588–1648) Now Danish citizens have a
The remainder of the 19th century high standard of living and Bergen, Skagen Gothenburg,
witnessed the rise of the social democrats state-funded education and health Kristiansand, Hirtshals Oslo
Stavanger,
and the trade unions. The year 1901 systems, although this has been achieved Torshavn Hjørring

saw the beginnings of parliamentary through high tax bills. Nevertheless, NORTH SEA E39 Frederikshavn
democracy and a number of social Denmark is one of the cheaper Brønderslev E45
reforms, including income tax on a Scandinavian countries. Læsø
sliding scale and free schooling. 11 Aalborg
Denmark was neutral during both world Language and Culture Thisted
wars, but during World War II the country A North Germanic language, Danish is Mors 29 Kattegat
similar to Norwegian and Swedish, but Nykøbing Hadsund
KEY DATES IN DANISH HISTORY there are some significant differences Lemvig Skive Hobro Anholt
AD 590 First written account of the Danes in the in word meaning (“frokost” for example, 26 E45
Gudenå
chronicle of Bishop Gregor of Tours means “lunch” in Danish, but “breakfast” 28 16 Viborg Randers 16
960 Denmark becomes officially Christian with the in Norwegian) and pronunciation. Sword Holstebro Grenå Varberg
baptism of King Harald “Bluetooth” DENMARK
English and German are widely spoken,
1033 Danes control much of England and Normandy so visitors should have few problems in Ringkøbing Silkeborg
and dominate trade in the Baltic Skjern Herning 15 Århus SW EDEN
1282 Erik V forced to grant nobles a charter limiting making themselves understood. Skjern Å Skanderborg Helsingør Helsingborg
his powers – first Danish constitution For such a small country, Denmark Brande Samsø Sejerø Frederiksværk
1397 Queen Margrethe I unites Scandinavia under has produced a number of world- 11 Ømme Å E45 Horsens Tranebjerg Nykøbing Frederiksborg
Slot
the Danish throne in the Kalmar Union famous writers and philosophers, Billund Endelave Frederikssund
1814 Norway transferred from the Danish to the including Hans Christian Andersen 30 Legoland Vejle Fredericia Kalundborg 23 Holbæk 6 COPENHAGEN
(København)
Swedish crown (see p645) and the 19th-century E20 Kolding Bogense Zealand
1849 Under Frederik VII, Denmark becomes a Esbjerg Middelfart (Sjaelland) Roskilde Malmo
constitutional monarchy philosopher Søren Kierkegaard, who Fanø E45 E20 Odense Slagelse E20 Ringsted Køge
Ribe
1890s Social reforms lay the foundations of the is claimed to have laid the foundations Harwich 47 Funen
present welfare state of modern existentialism. However, it is Rømø Haderslev Nyborg Korsør 22 E47
Agersø
1914–18 Denmark neutral in World War I best known for its 20th-century design 11 25 Åbenrå Fåborg 44 Svendborg Omø Næstved
1940–45 Despite declaring its neutrality, Denmark and craftsmanship, which have given Tønder Vordingborg
invaded and occupied by the Nazis the country an international reputation. Sønderborg Rudkøbing Femø Stege
1945 Becomes a charter member of the UN The works of companies such as Nakskov Møn
1972 Denmark joins the EC (now the EU) Georg Jensen silversmiths and Royal GERMANY Langeland Maribo E47 Falster
Nykøbing
2000 Danes reject euro as their currency Copenhagen porcelain, and the furniture Rødby Lolland
2002 EU presidency held by Denmark of architect Arne Jacobsen, enjoy a Hamburg Kiel Gedser
2012 Same-sex marriage legalised
worldwide reputation. Rostock

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