History of Christian X of Denmark

Christian X of Denmark, born Christian Carl Frederik Albert Alexander Vilhelm on September 26, 1870, in Charlottenlund, Denmark, was a significant figure in the early to mid-20th century, serving as King of Denmark from 1912 until his death in 1947. His reign was marked by political challenges and socio-economic transformations, both domestically and internationally. While not a politician in the traditional sense, his actions and presence had considerable political implications, particularly during World War II.

Christian X was the eldest son of King Frederick VIII of Denmark and Queen Louise. His early life was one of privilege and preparation for his eventual role as king. He was educated in military schools, which instilled in him a strong sense of duty and discipline. In 1898, he married Alexandrine of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, and the couple had two sons, Frederick and Knud.

Assuming the throne in 1912 after the death of his father, Christian X's early reign was challenged by the upheaval of World War I. Denmark, maintaining a policy of neutrality, navigated the tumultuous times without engaging in conflict. The king played a symbolic yet reassuring role for the Danish people, embodying stability as the world was engulfed in war.

Politically, the early years of Christian's reign were influenced by the shift from an absolute monarchy towards a more constitutional framework, as seen in many European monarchies during this period. The Danish constitution of 1849 had already curtailed royal power, but Christian X's reign experienced further reforms, such as changes to the Danish electoral system which expanded democratic participation.

The interwar years saw significant political developments in Denmark. The Easter Crisis of 1920 was perhaps the most defining political episode of King Christian X’s reign. The crisis arose over the reunification of Southern Jutland (Northern Schleswig) with Denmark following a post-World War I plebiscite. The results were contentious and led to tension between the monarch and the government. Christian dismissed the sitting government, which was seen by many as a royal overreach. This action led to public protests and a constitutional crisis that almost destabilized the monarchy. However, a compromise was reached, and a new government was formed, reaffirming the constitutional limits on royal power and emphasizing parliamentary democracy. This episode underscored the delicate balance between tradition and modernization in Danish governance.

The 1930s brought further challenges as the world grappled with the Great Depression. Denmark's economy was hit hard, and political tensions mounted. Social Democrats gained popularity, advocating for welfare reforms and social safety nets. Christian X, though distant from party politics, approved policies that sought to mitigate economic hardships, understanding the dire need for economic recovery and social stability.

World War II was another critical period in Christian X's reign. Germany invaded Denmark on April 9, 1940, in a swift operation that rendered Denmark a German protectorate. Christian X’s role during the occupation elevated him from a constitutional figurehead to a national symbol of resistance and unity. He became famous for his daily horseback rides through Copenhagen, unguarded, which garnered the admiration of his Danish subjects. His visible presence was a quiet form of resistance and bolstered the morale of the Danish people under occupation.

The legend of King Christian wearing a yellow star in solidarity with Danish Jews is a poignant tale, although it is more symbolic than factual. The story highlights the perception of Christian X as a protector of all Danes. In reality, while the Danish government did protect its Jewish population more effectively than other occupied nations, leading to the remarkable rescue of over 7,000 Danish Jews to Sweden in 1943, the king's direct involvement was more supportive than operational.

As the war ended and Denmark was liberated in 1945, Christian X played an integral role in the reconstruction efforts of his country. His post-war years were marked by a renewed appreciation from his people, who saw him as a steadfast leader through the dark years of occupation. Christian's health deteriorated after the war, and he passed away on April 20, 1947.

Reflecting on King Christian X’s role as a political figure, it is clear that while he didn’t engage in politics in the traditional sense, his actions and public demeanor were deeply political. His resistance against German occupation and symbolic support for democracy and unity endeared him to his people and left a lasting legacy.

Christian X's reign is a study in the evolution of constitutional monarchy in the 20th century—balancing the ceremonial and the political, the personal and the public. His enduring legacy in Denmark is not just in the policies enacted during his reign but in the symbolic unity he provided to a nation navigating modernity, war, and peace.