Denmark - Country history and economic development



1871. Denmark's socialist movement is officially founded, the start of a strong and diverse socialist tradition influencing Danish politics in the years to come.

1901. Change of political system to a constitutional monarchy, creating the Government (body of ministers selected by the queen) and the Folketing (representatives elected by the people).

1914-18. Denmark remains neutral during World War I.

1915. Constitutional reform; women and servants are enfranchised.

1933. Social reform movement begins, expanding the welfare and education system.

1940. Denmark occupied by Germany during World War II.

1941. United States establishes military bases in Greenland (with Danish ambassador's approval).

1945. Denmark liberated from Germany at the end of World War II.

1948. Faroe Islands, until this time part of Denmark, are granted home rule, which allows them control over domestic policy.

1949. Denmark joins North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a strategic military alliance of Western European and North American non- communist nations.

1960. Denmark joins European Free Trade Agreement (EFTA), which reduces or eliminates barriers to trade (such as tariffs ) between participants.

1967. Pornographic text and photography (excluding photos of children) is legalized, a sign of Denmark's progressive/permissive social attitudes; however, response to this and the stance on abortion leads to the founding of the Danish Christian People's Party.

1973. Compulsory National Health Insurance set up (replacing sickness benefits fund).

1973. Denmark joins the European Economic Community (EEC—an organization of states that lowered barriers to trade between them).

1976. Social Assistance Act introduces a unified structure of public assistance and benefits, partly needs-based.

1979. Greenland, formerly part of Denmark, is granted home rule.

1985. Greenland leaves EEC over fears of EEC regulations' effects on its fishing industry.

1985. Denmark joins the European Union.

2000. Danes reject final stage of European Monetary Union (EMU) in a referendum.

Also read article about Denmark from Wikipedia

User Contributions:

Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: