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Denmark plays a pivotal role in shaping the history of Iceland as the island remained a colony of Denmark for almost 600 years. Denmark is a significant contributor to the history of Iceland. Founded by Irish monks, Iceland was ruled by the Norsemen or the Vikings who entered the island in the 13th century. But soon it entered into a turbulent age as it became a Norwegian province. In the 14th century the Danes took over the control of Iceland through the unification of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark popularly known as the Kalmar Union.
Denmark underwent a violent period from 1540 to 1550 which was termed as the Danish reformation period. The social, religious, administrative structures were all ruined as Denmark moved towards a reformed state. This had a substantial effect on Iceland as the sparks of the movement hit the island directly. With the reformation period over Denmark entered into a state of calm. The Danish monarch renounced its absolute power and Denmark became a representative democracy. Iceland was given limited power. The parliament of Iceland, Althing, which was revived as an advisory board to the monarch of Denmark in 1845, gained power over internal affairs.
Denmark then granted Iceland its own constitution and self rule in 1874. In 1904 Iceland was allowed to have home rule. This period of home rule was one of swift and large scale progress in terms of occupational structure, communication, education and so on.
The Act of Union in 1918 made Iceland a free state within Denmark. But the nominal head of state of Iceland remained the monarch of Iceland. During the Second World War the Nazis occupied Denmark while Iceland was used as an airbase by British and American troops.
The long reign of Denmark over Iceland came to an end in 1944 when Iceland achieved complete independence from Denmark and became a republic.
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