Good evening everyone!
I hope you are all doing well?
FoxySage: I'm curious. What are brits taught about danish history? I know England and Denmark used to have a rivalry over the West Indies and they both was big naval powers back then.
From what I can recall, the history we are taught at school about Denmark usually covered the whole Viking era, the age of colonisation, some of the battles between our two nations, and of course, our shared history in the Second World War.
The Battle of Copenhagen (1801) was one of my favourites. Not because of the battle itself, but the way Admiral Lord Nelson behaved. He was only a vice-admiral then, but still a well regarded officer and strategist. He was ordered by Admiral Sir Hyde Parker to withdrawn, as all signs pointed to a Danish victory. But Lord Nelson famously put his telescope to his blind eye and claimed he saw no ships, effectively saying he would not follow the Admiral's. In truth, the Admiral was trying to save Lord Nelson's reputation, which in those days, a good reputation could help boost the moral of the English and her allies, and was known to dishearten the enemy. Lord Nelson's reputation would have been sullied if he retreated from the battle. What the Admiral did was give Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson a get-out clause. If he thought retreat was the only viable option, then Lord Nelson could withdraw, stating he was following orders from the Admiral, thus not losing any reputation, as he was following orders. The Admiral knew that Lord Nelson would ignore the order if he believed he could still win the battle.
Despite the wars fought between England and Denmark, there has never been too much animosity, at least on our part, I don't know if it's the same for Denmark. I know that your nation's actions during the Second World War were met with the utmost honour and respect from the English. Unlike some nations in Europe during the war, Denmark fought to the last to defend their country. She helped the allies (British and Danish - your royal family evacuated to England for protection) evacuate before she fell, and all through out the war her resistance groups helped the allies continue the war against the Nazis. Many of the Northern countries showed the Nazis just how much fight they had when their countries were in danger. It must be all that Viking blood. :-)
I won't go into the Anglo-Irish topic too much, as I know the topic is not an easy one to discuss between England and Ireland, often with both sides blindly arguing. But before circumstances got in my way, I was studying for a doctorate in history, close to finishing and beginning my career as a historian, so I have a good understanding of both sides. Sadly both side are only taught a very narrow view of things, both trying to cover their own backs and pass the blame on to the other. Both Britain and Ireland have done horrible things to each other, it's just sad that we can't try to repair that damage and try to progress as friends. What is even more pathetic, is that much of the troubles are caused by religion. Not two vastly different religions, but two Christian religions caught up in old grudges.
Please note: In my comment above, I am not trying to downplay what Britain has done to Ireland, I'm just saying that we have all acted un-laudable. The British Empire achieved some wonderful things, but like any empire, she did some horrible things as well. I am well aware of her bad points, as well as he good points. So please don't think I'm trying to downplay things or cause any arguments or anything like that.