Denmark of 1536-1660

The Danish history of 1536-1660 is signified by the two events, important for its further development. The tide of Reformation caused by the intronizing of Christian III, the successor of Frederik I, went in 1536 and afterwards the official religion changed.

 

By the end of that period Denmark was involved into a chain of wars that resulted into military occupation of the most Danish territory by Sweden. After the country had given up the land of Scania (Dan. Skåne) and Bornholm and was returned its freedom, Frederik III made the Revolution which was marked with the institution of absolute monarchy. That form of government lasted for the next two hundred years.

There were two wielding powers by the middle of the XVI century: the king who formally ruled the country, and the Rigsraadet, consisting of noblemen that was an opponent of the royal power and therefore received more and more increasing influence on Danish politics. The country was in need for favourable economic conditions, but Denmark's expences for a number of big European wars  had been very significant. Though there was an opportunity to erect buildings in Copenhagen in accordance with some plans of Christian IV.

 

Photo: Meeting of Gustav Vasa and Christian III in Brömsebro

Source: Wikipedia (Dan.)