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 APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200110016-6

Chronology

500-1050
 * In the period of Viking expansion, Danish Vikings overrun Frisian coast and parts of England and Normandy.

1013
 * England conquered by Sweyn Forkocard.

1014-1035
 * Christianity established in Denmark.

1017-1035
 * Canute the Great extends Danish empire to include, briefly, all of England and Norway.

1035
 * Norway regains independence from Denmark.

1042
 * England regains independence from Denmark.

1157-1241
 * Copenhagen is founded; Denmark becomes a Baltic commercial and military power.

1397
 * The Union of Kalmar between Denmark, Sweden, and Norway (including Iceland) is established. Sweden breaks away in 1523, while Norway proper remains in the union until 1814.

1536
 * Lutheranism is introduced in Denmark-Norway.

1668
 * Institution of absolute monarchy; subjugation of peasantry.

1788
 * The Danish peasantry is emancipated.

1807
 * Copenhagen bombarded by British fleet, which captives and "interns" Danish navy.

1814
 * The Peace of Kiel cedes Norway to Sweden. Further relaxation of absolutist rule.

1849
 * A new constitution is adopted, granting wide suffrage and leading to modern liberal reforms.

1864
 * The war with Prussia and Austria-Hungary results in the loss of Schleswig, Holstein, and Lauenburg. There are growing demands for disarmament.

1880-1890
 * Emigration to the United States it at its peak.

1914-1918
 * Denmark declares its neutrality in World War I.

1915
 * June
 * A new more liberal constitution is adopted under pressure from farmers, workers, and middle class.

1918
 * Act of Union, ratified by Denmark and Iceland, makes Iceland an independent kingdom joined to Denmark under a common monarch; Iceland's foreign affairs and military defense remain Danish responsibility.

1920
 * A plebiscite in Schleswig results in North Schleswig opting for Denmark and South Schleswig remaining German.

1940
 * April
 * Germany invades and occupies Denmark.

1944
 * Iceland abrogates Act of Union, severing last ties with Denmark.

1945
 * May
 * Denmark is liberated by British troops.

1946
 * April
 * The last Soviet troops evacuate the island of Bornholm.

1947
 * April
 * Frederik IX accedes to the throne following the death of his father, Christian X.

1948
 * April
 * Marshall Plan aid begins.

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APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200110016-6