Denmarks 11th century conquest of Scandinavia

Essay by ALDWYN EVANSUniversity, Bachelor'sB+, September 1996

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During the eleventh century the lands of Scandinavia were constantly at war. The kings of these great states were constantly changing. The great state of Denmark ruled most of the Scandinavia lands the most part of the century. Denmark although the smallest of its neighbours had plenty of good land and had both population and resources along with better climate over Norway and Sweden. Norway had mountains in the east and reasonable amount of arable land in the west but not enough to support a large population. Much of Sweden's best land was often Danish control, so central Sweden developed instead of the potentially richer south.(Western Civilization) These advantages helped Denmark in their conquest to rule most of the Scandinavian land in the early eleventh century.

During the first decade of the eleventh century Sven Forkbeard King of Denmark conquered England in 1013. But he died in February 1014, his empire disintegrated.

His son Canute, who had taken part in the English campaign, was elected king of the army, but the English refused to accept him and he was forced to return to Denmark. The Danes had chosen Sven's other son, Harald, as their king. In 1015, Canute returned to England, and by the end of 1016 he had reconquered it. (Medieval Scandinavia) Two years later, when his brother Harald died, he also became King of Denmark, and in the struggle with the Norwegian King Olav Haraldson and the Swedish King Anund Jacob, Canute secured dominion over most of Norway and part of Sweden. A great Scandinavian realm was thus really created.(Scandinavia past & present)

During Canute's reign Denmark was very peaceful and there was a total absence of stirring events. Canute's accession gave the country peace from external enemies and a breathing space in a new atmosphere. With his...