Denmark, 1513-1660 : The Rise and Decline of a Renaissance Monarchy

One of the largest states in Europe and the greatest of the Protestant powers, Denmark in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries was at the height of its influence. Embracing Norway, Iceland, portions of southern Sweden and northern Germany, the Danish monarchy dominated the vital Baltic trade. However, its geopolitical importance far exceeded its modest resources. Paul Douglas Lockhart examines the short and perhaps unlikely career of Denmark as the major power of northern Europe, exploring its rise to the forefront of European affairs and its subsequent decline in fortunes following its disastrous involvement in the Thirty Years' War. Using the latest research from Danish and other Scandinavian scholars Lockhart focuses on key issues, from the dynamic role of the Oldenburg monarchy in bringing about Denmark's ''European integration'', to the impact of the Protestant Reformation on Danish culture. The multi-national character of the Danish monarchy is explored in-depth, in particular how the Oldenburg kings of Denmark sought to establish their authority over their sizable-and oftentimes contentious-Norwegian, Icelandic, and German minorities. Denmark's participation in international politics and commerce is also investigated, along with the power struggle between Denmark and its rival Sweden over Baltic dominion, and the Danes' unique approach to internal governance. ## Abstract One of the largest states in Europe and the greatest of the Protestant powers, Denmark, in the 16th and 17th centuries was at the height of its influence. Embracing Norway, Iceland, portions of southern Sweden, and northern Germany, the Danish monarchy dominated the vital Baltic trade. However, its geopolitical importance far exceeded its modest resources. This book examines the short and perhaps unlikely career of Denmark as the major power of northern Europe, exploring its rise to the forefront of European affairs and its subsequent decline in fortunes following its disastrous involvement in the Thirty Years' War. The book focuses on key issues, from the dynamic role of the Oldenburg monarchy in bringing about Denmark's ‘European integration’, to the impact of the Protestant Reformation on Danish culture. The multi-national character of the Danish monarchy is explored in-depth, in particular how the Oldenburg kings of Denmark sought to establish their authority over their sizable — and oftentimes contentious — Norwegian, Icelandic, and German minorities. Denmark's participation in international politics and commerce is also investigated, along with the power struggle between Denmark and its rival Sweden over Baltic dominion, and the Danes' unique approach to internal governance. Contents......Page 12 List of Illustrations......Page 13 List of Maps......Page 14 List of Abbreviations......Page 18 Introduction......Page 20 I. THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONSENSUAL STATE, 1513–1596......Page 28 1 The End of the Medieval Monarchy, 1513–1536......Page 30 2 The Rebirth of the Oldenburg Monarchy, 1536–1596......Page 48 3 Reformation and Culture......Page 77 4 Commerce, Rural Economy, and the Structure of Society......Page 102 5 The Mistress of the Sound: Denmark and Europe, 1513–1596......Page 123 II. THE AGE OF CHRISTIAN IV, 1596–1660......Page 144 6 The Activist Monarchy of Christian IV......Page 146 7 Baltic and German Hegemonies: Denmark and Europe, 1596–1629......Page 173 8 Church and Court: Culture in the Age of Christian IV......Page 198 9 The Death of Government by Consensus, 1630–1648......Page 219 10 State and Society, Centre and Periphery......Page 236 11 War and Absolutism, 1648–1660......Page 251 12 Epilogue......Page 273 G......Page 283 R......Page 284 V......Page 285 Bibliographic Essay......Page 286 B......Page 294 C......Page 295 E......Page 296 G......Page 297 H......Page 298 L......Page 299 N......Page 300 R......Page 301 S......Page 302 W......Page 303 Exploring The History Of The Kingdom Of Denmark At The Height Of Its Power And Influence In The 16th And 17th Centuries, This Text Uncovers The Factors That Brought About Its Domination Of Northeastern Europe. Paul Douglas Lockhart. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [261]-268) And Index.