A History of Denmark

The history of modern Denmark is the story of how a once extensive and diverse empire slowly fragmented under the changing circumstances of the times. In this introductory guide, Knud Jespersen traces the process of disintegration and reduction that helped to form the modern Danish state, and the historical roots of Denmark's international position. Beginning with the Reformation in the sixteenth century, Jespersen explains how the Denmark of today was shaped by wars, territorial losses, domestic upheavals, new methods of production, and changes in thought. In this thoroughly revised third edition, there is an increased focus on the wider Nordic and European contexts of Danish history. There is a wealth of new material on imperialism, immigration, class and gender, and a nuanced exploration of Denmark's scientific and cultural accomplishments. Incorporating discussion of the 2015 terror attack in Copenhagen and the impact of Brexit as seen by Denmark, this overview of Danish history is at the cutting-edge of current affairs. Focusing on the interplay between history, politics and economics, this illuminating text offers an insider's view of Danish identity formation over the last centuries. This engaging textbook is an ideal resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students taking courses on Danish, Scandinavian or Nordic History. Concise and accessible, it will also appeal to anyone interested in gaining a clear understanding of the development of Denmark.