From the Reformation to present day, this book guides the reader through 500 years of wars, territorial losses, domestic upheavals, and changes in thought in Denmark's history. Looking carefully at the development of Danish identity, the author explores whether Danes can be most aptly described as a tribe or a nation. Using new research and original theories, it's the perfect introduction to the fascinating and relatively unknown history of this Scandinavian country.

Praise

"An eminently approachable and readable introduction to Danish history."--Thomas Munck, University of Glasgow

About the Author(s)

Knud J. V. Jespersen

Knud J.V. Jespersen is Professor of Modern History at the University of Southern Denmark and royal historiographer to H.M. the Queen of Denmark.

Table of Contents

Map of Denmark * Introduction: what is Denmark and Who are the Danes? * Foreign and Security Policy: from Gatekeeper of the Baltic to a Midget State * Domestic Policy, 1500-1848: the Era of Aristocracy and Absolutism * Domestic Policy, 1848-2000: Democracy and the Welfare State * The Church and Culture from Luther to Postmodernism * Economic Conditions: the Old Denmark, 1500-1800 * Economic Conditions: the New Denmark, 1800-2000 * The Danes: A Tribe or a Nation? * References * Select Bibliography * A Short Chronology * Index