Kingdom of Iceland
Kingdom of Iceland | |||||||||
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| 1918–1944 | |||||||||
 Flag
 Coat of arms
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| Anthem: Ó Guð vors lands" ("O, God of Our Land") | |||||||||
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| Capital | Reykjavík | ||||||||
| Demonym(s) | Icelander, Icelandic | ||||||||
| Government | Constitutional monarchy under personal union with Denmark | ||||||||
• King | Christian X | ||||||||
| Legislature | Althing | ||||||||
| Establishment | |||||||||
• Icelandic independence from Denmark | 1 December 1918 | ||||||||
• Republican referendum | 17 June 1944 | ||||||||
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The Kingdom of Iceland (Icelandic: Konungsríkið Ísland; Danish: Kongeriget Island) was a constitutional monarchy that had a personal union with Denmark. The kingdom was created on 1 December 1918.[1] It lasted until 17 June 1944 when a national referendum created the Republic of Iceland.[2]
The Act of Union, signed on 1 December 1918, allowed Iceland to create its own flag, declared its neutrality and asked Denmark to help with its foreign affairs and defense interests.
The Nazi German occupation of Denmark in the early-1940s broke off their communications.[1] As a result, the Althing named themselves the head of state and said that Iceland would no longer need Denmark's help. The island was later occupied by British and American forces. This lasted until World War II ended.
The monarchy held an constitutional referendum from 20 and 23 May 1944.[3] The option to establish a new republican constitution won with 98.5% of the vote. Christian X of Denmark sent a message of congratulations to the Icelandic people.[4]
References
[change | change source]- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Halfdanarson, Gudmundur Halfdanarson (2010). The A to Z of Iceland. Scarecrow Press. pp. 23–25. ISBN 978-0810872080.
- ↑ Van Cleaf, Kristin Van Cleaf (2007). Iceland. ABDO. p. 7. ISBN 978-1599287843.
- ↑ Nohlen, D & Stöver, P (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p961 ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7
- ↑ Hardarson, Solrun B. Jensdottir (October 1974). "The 'Republic of Iceland' 1940-44: Anglo-American Attitudes and Influences". Journal of Contemporary History. 9 (4): 27–56. doi:10.1177/002200947400900402. JSTOR 260290. S2CID 220878232. Retrieved 19 February 2016.