History of Christian X of Denmark

Christian X of Denmark, born on 26 September 1870, reigned as King of Denmark from 1912 until his death in 1947. While he is often remembered as a constitutional monarch who played a largely ceremonial role, his reign coincided with significant political changes both within Denmark and globally. This overview explores his life with a focus on his political influence and contributions.

Christian was born into a royal family deeply rooted in European politics. He was the eldest son of Frederick VIII of Denmark and Louise of Sweden. Educated at the Royal Danish Military Academy, he developed a keen interest in state affairs and military matters, shaping a disciplined and formal persona. Throughout his life, Christian was known for his dedication to duty and his strong sense of national pride.

Christian X ascended the throne on 14 May 1912, following the death of his father. The early years of his reign were relatively stable, but they soon became marked by the crises of World War I. Denmark maintained a neutral stance during the conflict, a decision shaped by both strategic necessity and national preference. Christian played a role in navigating this neutrality, maintaining Denmark's sovereignty in a time of widespread upheaval. His calm leadership and national tours helped bolster the spirit of a country surrounded by warring powers.

Post-war Denmark was a period of significant political change, characterized by shifting governments and the rise of new political movements. In 1915, a landmark constitutional reform was enacted which expanded the voting rights to women and significantly broadened the democratic base of the country. This democratization process reduced the powers traditionally held by the monarchy, transitioning Denmark into a more parliamentary system. Christian, unlike many European monarchs of the era, accepted this shift and adapted to his role as a symbol of national unity rather than an autocratic ruler.

Christian's commitment to national unity was tested during the Easter Crisis of 1920. This political confrontation arose from the controversial decision of King Christian to dismiss the popularly elected government led by Prime Minister Carl Theodor Zahle. The dispute centered on the reunification of Denmark with the historically disputed regions of Schleswig, following the defeat of Germany in World War I. Christian favored a maximalist approach to incorporate as much German-occupied territory into Denmark as possible, while Zahle's government preferred a more cautious stance that reflected the popular will as determined by a plebiscite.

The king's dismissal of the government led to widespread public outrage and a constitutional crisis. Massive demonstrations took place, underscoring the public's demand for democracy over monarchal overreach. Realizing the scale of dissatisfaction and the potential for unrest, Christian X appointed a compromise government, led by a non-partisan caretaker leader, until new elections could be held. This incident marked the last time a reigning Danish monarch attempted to directly influence government composition, effectively ensuring the future constitutional monarchy's role would remain ceremonial.

The interwar years were characterized by economic challenges and a growing need for international cooperation. Christian supported policies aimed at social welfare and public works, which helped Denmark navigate the economic difficulties of the Great Depression. Although his direct political power had waned, his presence and engagement lent stability during times of uncertainty.

During World War II, Christian X became an important symbol of resistance against Nazi occupation. When Germany invaded and subsequently occupied Denmark in April 1940, the Danish government chose a strategy of cooperation to avoid severe repercussions. Within this context, Christian’s daily horse rides through the streets of Copenhagen, often without the presence of a guard, came to symbolize the dignity and resilience of the Danish spirit under foreign rule. His actions fostered a sense of unity and perseverance among his people, although his actual political influence was constrained by the realities of occupation.

The king's tacit support of the Danish resistance and his efforts to protect Danish Jews during the German attempt to deport Jews in 1943 further solidified his legacy as a king who, within the limits of his constitutional role, stood by his nation in its darkest hours. Christian's reputed statement that if Danish Jews were forced to wear the Star of David, he would wear one too, although likely apocryphal, symbolized his commitment to all his subjects and became an enduring legend of solidarity.

After the liberation of Denmark in 1945, Christian's health was deteriorating, and he played a less active role in the affairs of state. Nevertheless, he remained a beloved figure, embodying the perseverance and unity of Denmark throughout the tumult of early 20th-century European history. Christian X died on 20 April 1947, leaving behind a legacy of constitutional adaptability, national unity, and resilience. His reign is often regarded as a pivotal period in Denmark's transition into a modern constitutional monarchy, shaping a national identity deeply rooted in democratic values and social cohesion.