Historical Dictionary of Denmark (Historical Dictionaries of Europe)

Denmark is one of Europe's smallest democracies, made up of 482 islands. This book provides a detailed look at the long history of the area, including Denmark's significant influence on the evolution of Europe relative to its size. Denmark has a millennium-long continuous history and development from Viking times (about 800-1050 AD) to the modern welfare state. The resilience of the Danish people is evident in the artistic golden age of the early 19th century despite national bankruptcy, the agricultural revival during the final third of the 19th century. Modern Denmark leads in industrial design, furniture, engineering, pharmacy, and social development in the 20th century. Danish scientists, medical doctors, composers, musicians, choreographers, playwrights, authors, sculptors, architects, designers, painters and film directors have made significant contributions to the development of European culture. In the 21st century, Denmark combines a thriving and highly productive modern economy with extensive social care and welfare, and thus refutes the neo-conservative economists who claim that such a combination is impossible. In short, Denmark is seen by the Danes and their neighbors as a very good place to live. This third edition of Historical Dictionary of Denmark contains a chronology, an introduction, appendixes, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 1000 cross-referenced entries on important personalities, politics, economy, foreign relations, religion, and culture. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about Denmark At different points in its history, Denmark's boundaries have encompassed England, Sweden, West Africa, India, and the West Indies. Despite its changing, and in the end relatively small, boundaries, Denmark has played a much larger part in the politicsof Europe than might be expected. Additionally, through its territories (Faroe Islands and Greenland) Denmark has managed to retain an important presence in the North Atlantic. Today, democratic Denmark, with its thriving capital Copenhagen, is peaceful, prosperous, and progressive. Within NATO, Denmark has contributed to peace-keeping in the Gulf and Bosnia. The "Danish Model" of welfare gives Danes a real sense of social security, and presents many naysayers with a provocative example of a successfully managed welfare state. Danes have a reputation for inventiveness and good design, whether in architecture, furniture, or industrial design. The "Historical Dictionary of Denmark" covers the older, more "glorious" periods when Denmark was a political and military force in Europe. Full coverage is also given to the modern and contemporary eras when politicians and political parties, trade unions and other organizations have run the country. The "Dictionary" reaches well beyond politics and warfare into the economy, society, art, music, literature, and religion. Additionally, there is a look at the welfare state and at Danish relations with the European Union and countries outside of Europe. Included is information from the earliest archaeological remains of human prehistory through to the current state of Denmark. An introduction provides a lucid overview of Danish history and politics. A chronology, several useful appendixes, and a substantial bibliography round out the work