History

The Nordics and the First World War

Field-Of-Poppies

As the world marks the centenary of the Armistice,  what role did the Nordic nations play?


Norway

Officially neutral as a relatively new nation.


Sweden

Maintained its longstanding neutrality (since the Napoleonic era), but when Russia broke into civil war, it took the opportunity to briefly occupy the Finnish Åland Islands. Relied on trade with both powers for much of the war.


Denmark

Neutral, with its population encouraged not to support either side even in private. However, like many neutral countries, it continued to trade with Germany.


Finland

Distant realm of the Russian Empire, so aligned to the Allies. When the war ended, Finland descended into Civil War between Bolshevik Reds and liberal Whites.


Iceland

Then part of Denmark, so neutral.


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