Christian IX of Denmark

Christian IX of Denmark (April 8, 1818 – January 29, 1906) was King of Denmark from November 15, 1863 to January 29, 1906.

Politics

The defeat of 1864 cast a shadow of Christian IX's rule for many years also because his attitude to the Danish case -- probably without reason -- was claimed to be half-hearted. This unpopularity was worsened, as he sought, unsuccessfully, to prevent the spread of democracy throughout Denmark by supporting the authoritarian and conservative prime minister Estrup whose rule 1875-94 was by many seen as a semi-dictatorship. However, he signed a treaty in 1874 which allowed Iceland, then a Danish possession, to have its own constitution, albeit one that still had Denmark ruling Iceland. In 1901 he approved the establishment of a Danish parliament which would have power over absolutism which clearly bettered his reputation for his last years.

Related Topics:
Estrup - 1874 - Iceland

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Another reform occurred in 1866, when the Danish constitution was revised so that Denmark's upper chamber would have more power than the lower.

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Social security also took a few steps forward during his reign. Old age pensions were introduced in 1891 and unemployment and family benefits were introduced in 1892.

Related Topics:
1891 - 1892

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