The Surprising Truth Behind Britain’s Attacks on Denmark in 1801 and 1807: Neutral Denmark or Allied Partner?

When discussing the history of Denmark, it is often claimed that the nation was neutral in most of its wars, aligning with the geopolitical interests of the moment without risks of entrapment. However, the year 1801 and 1807 marked a significant deviation from this narrative, revealing a more complex truth about Denmark's role in the Napoleonic Wars.

Denmark’s Primary Interest: Neutral Observance and Self-Preservation

Danish history, as it stands, generally portrays a nation that was primarily interested in maintaining its neutrality for its own benefit. Until the Second World War, Denmark tended to participate only in conflicts where it could gain something tangible. This was particularly true during the Napoleonic Wars, where Denmark's neutrality was not a strategic misstep or oversight but a wise and calculated decision.

Denmark had the only significant fleet in Europe capable of rivaling that of Great Britain. This strategic position meant that Britain was acutely aware of the threat that the Danish navy posed to its global naval dominance. For this reason, Britain attacked Copenhagen in 1801 and 1807 to prevent the Danish fleet from falling into French hands and to ensure the neutrality of the Danish navy.

British Instincts: Fear and Pragmatism

British policymakers were driven by a stark fear. The Danish navy, though smaller than the British fleet, still possessed a sizeable and well-maintained force. This prompted the British to take decisive action. On April 2, 1801, and September 1807, Copenhagen faced an acute crisis when British forces launched attacks to eliminate the Danish naval threat.

Initially, the British aimed to capture or neutralize the Danish fleet as a form of collateral, with the intention of releasing it once the French had been defeated. However, Danish resistance and the eventual capture or sinking of the majority of the fleet indicated a more assertive stance from Denmark. Surprisingly, the British saw this as a refusal to remain neutral and responded by driving Denmark to support Napoleon, a move that could have significant repercussions in the war.

A Strange Repeating of History: Denmark’s Neutral Stance in WWII

Interestingly, history repeated itself during World War II. Denmark, once again, claimed to be neutral. However, the nation's situation became increasingly complicated with the occupation by Nazi Germany in 1943. While Denmark maintained a degree of control over its military and police until August 1943, the arrival of the Nazis changed the landscape dramatically. The British once again exerted pressure on Denmark, urging it to take a stance in the conflict. In a show of defiance, the Danish navy sunk much of its own fleet to prevent German capture, further reducing the Danish military's presence. This decisive action led to a more complete Nazi control over the nation, yet it also preserved Denmark’s later reputation as a non-Nazi sympathizer.

Historical Resource: Access to Danish Newspapers

For those interested in delving deeper into these historical events, the Danish newspaper archives provide a rich source of information. This digital archive includes newspapers dating back to 1789, including the crucial years of 1801 and 1807. While news from Copenhagen may be a few days delayed, historical discussions about the attacks and their consequences are often published in these archives, providing valuable insights into both the immediate and long-term impacts of these events.

These archives are not only enlightening but also offer a window into the public discourse of the time, helping us understand not just the strategic decisions made but the public perception and reactions to these events. Whether you are a student, a historian, or just someone interested in history, these resources are invaluable in unraveling the complex narrative of Denmark's strategic neutrality, or lack thereof, during the Napoleonic Wars and World War II.