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Europe: Denmark-Norway
The Kingdom of Denmark-Norway is a constitutional monarchy in Northern Europe non-member of the European Trade Union but is a member of the Kalmar Trade Area and Bastogne Area. The Kingdom of Denmark-Norway had a difficult time during the Napoleonic Wars, struggling to maintain neutrality, and declaring for both France and the coalition over the years. However, it was decided during the Swedish succession crisis, that as to avoid another conflict with the U.K, Denmark-Norway would be allowed to remain neutral, not taking part in any further wars between the Continental Block and the Coalitions. As a matter of fact, no real large scale wars would come around to menace the young kingdom. Denmark-Norway would unify the monarchies into a single one, based in Copenhagen, much to the disdain of Norway. However, in order for Norway to not seek an alliance with the French-backed Sweden, the Danes fell back onto the British who were eager to support the Danes and ensure an uprising in Norway wouldn't happen.
The Revolutions of 1848 wouldn't send a lot of ripples in the country, although the monarchy relinquished much of its power and became a symbolic role after protests rocked the capital Copenhagen, but thanks to British help, the country would never fall into outright civil war. As the industrial era passed by, Denmark-Norway formally integrated the British sphere, much to Sweden and France's disapproval, as the balance was now maintained in Scandinavia. Denmark-Norway therefore actively supported British endeavours during the first half of the 20th century, with intervention forces sent to Spain or the Ottoman Empire. The Danes even held a colony until 1976, in the form of the Gold Coast colony, which was given its independence late into the 70s.
When the World War however, everything changed. Despite the Ruhr Offensive and Operation Lionheart, the Danes had no chance against the German II Corps who took Copenhagen in less than 2 weeks. The government did manage to flee to Oslo under British escort, but this would prove to be a great opportunity for the norwegians, for a long time ignored during the political discussions. The norwegians pressured Denmark into accepting 50-50 representation in parliament as well as in the cabinet, as well as the presence of at least 2 Norwegian generals in the high command (out of 5 high commanders). Failing that, Norway would just declare neutrality in the war, or worse, just invite the Allies in. The Danes were forced to agree during the Stavanger Agreements of 1942, leading to the parliament we know today. The rest of the war went alright for Denmark-Norway, until the Battle of Ushant changed everything. The Royal Navy was reduced to a size in which it could not defend the Norwegian coast and was withdrawn. This led Norway, as well as being invaded from Finland (November 1944) and Sweden (Spring 1945) to be invaded via landings south of Oslo by American and German troops, with the city falling on March 5th.
Denmark-Norway did not have to concede any territory, except for Iceland, which was given independence, and a small Air Force Base in Greeland to the U.S.A. Additionally, they were given the small Shetland (Hjaltland) archipelago, which was already occupied by Danish-Norwegian troops since 1942, and deemed small enough to not be incorporated into the SOZ. Denmark-Norway and the U.K remained strong allies throughout the next years, although they took different paths. Denmark-Norway scaled back their defence budget, and although they didn't join the ETU, joined both the Kalmar Trade Agreements and the Bastogne Area of Free Travel. Today, Denmark-Norway is known for their high standards of living, and being one of the best countries in the world in terms of education and happiness. It also has some of the highest development indexes and GDP/capita in the world, despite its economy being dwarved by their neighbours Sweden.
The Revolutions of 1848 wouldn't send a lot of ripples in the country, although the monarchy relinquished much of its power and became a symbolic role after protests rocked the capital Copenhagen, but thanks to British help, the country would never fall into outright civil war. As the industrial era passed by, Denmark-Norway formally integrated the British sphere, much to Sweden and France's disapproval, as the balance was now maintained in Scandinavia. Denmark-Norway therefore actively supported British endeavours during the first half of the 20th century, with intervention forces sent to Spain or the Ottoman Empire. The Danes even held a colony until 1976, in the form of the Gold Coast colony, which was given its independence late into the 70s.
When the World War however, everything changed. Despite the Ruhr Offensive and Operation Lionheart, the Danes had no chance against the German II Corps who took Copenhagen in less than 2 weeks. The government did manage to flee to Oslo under British escort, but this would prove to be a great opportunity for the norwegians, for a long time ignored during the political discussions. The norwegians pressured Denmark into accepting 50-50 representation in parliament as well as in the cabinet, as well as the presence of at least 2 Norwegian generals in the high command (out of 5 high commanders). Failing that, Norway would just declare neutrality in the war, or worse, just invite the Allies in. The Danes were forced to agree during the Stavanger Agreements of 1942, leading to the parliament we know today. The rest of the war went alright for Denmark-Norway, until the Battle of Ushant changed everything. The Royal Navy was reduced to a size in which it could not defend the Norwegian coast and was withdrawn. This led Norway, as well as being invaded from Finland (November 1944) and Sweden (Spring 1945) to be invaded via landings south of Oslo by American and German troops, with the city falling on March 5th.
Denmark-Norway did not have to concede any territory, except for Iceland, which was given independence, and a small Air Force Base in Greeland to the U.S.A. Additionally, they were given the small Shetland (Hjaltland) archipelago, which was already occupied by Danish-Norwegian troops since 1942, and deemed small enough to not be incorporated into the SOZ. Denmark-Norway and the U.K remained strong allies throughout the next years, although they took different paths. Denmark-Norway scaled back their defence budget, and although they didn't join the ETU, joined both the Kalmar Trade Agreements and the Bastogne Area of Free Travel. Today, Denmark-Norway is known for their high standards of living, and being one of the best countries in the world in terms of education and happiness. It also has some of the highest development indexes and GDP/capita in the world, despite its economy being dwarved by their neighbours Sweden.
- Wings
- Word Count: 660