Battle of Copenhagen

The Battle of Copenhagen: Caught in the Napoleonic Wars

ancestors

Armed neutral alliance: 1800, the relationship between Russia and Britain broke down, so it formed an armed neutral alliance with Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Prussia and other countries, and * * * opposed Britain. 180 1 year, British admirals Parker and Nelson led the fleet into Danish territorial waters and took the initiative to start a war. A fierce battle broke out between the two fleets in Copenhagen, and the Danish navy suffered a crushing defeat and had to agree to withdraw from the armed neutral alliance.

What is the deep hatred between Britain and Denmark, and should take the initiative to go to Danish territory to provoke? This should also start with the complex relationship between European countries. In the19th century, the whole of Europe is changing. The French Revolution has always been a headache for European monarchs, and now there is a Napoleon who can recruit elite soldiers. Britain, Russia, Austria and other countries formed the second anti-French alliance to jointly oppose Napoleon.

While fighting against France, Britain secretly seized the Russian sphere of influence-malta island. This made Russia very angry and called for the formation of a new armed alliance against Britain. Denmark and Britain also have long-standing grievances. Britain not only asked Danish ships to call at French ports, restricted their sea routes, but even searched Danish merchant ships at will. This has seriously affected Denmark's foreign trade.

As a result, Denmark actively responded to Russia's call, joined the "armed neutral alliance" against Britain, and put forward the slogan of "free navigation". This angered Britain. Although the British can't take the huge Russian empire, it is more than enough to clean up neighboring Denmark. 180 1 year, Britain sent Admiral Parker and Nelson to lead the fleet into Danish territorial waters. In Elsinore, British warships brutally shelled the city and started the war.

It was winter, and the Danish fleet was staying at the military port in Copenhagen for the winter, totally unprepared for the war. The Danes never thought that the British would attack at this time. In desperation, Admiral Orford Fischer was appointed as the commander of the Danish fleet. He quickly ordered that the crew who had been demobilized should be called back and volunteers should be recruited urgently.

However, the weapons on the warships have also been dismantled. Fitch quickly arranged manpower and placed the cannon on the ship. Then the fleet formed a line and was stuck in the middle of the strait to Copenhagen. The British fleet is also heading for Copenhagen, with only 20 main fleets. In contrast, although Denmark is playing at home, it has no advantage at all. Its allies can't help at all. The Russian fleet was blocked by frozen seawater and could not get out of St. Petersburg.

In April, the British fleet came outside the Copenhagen Strait, and Parker issued an ultimatum to Denmark to withdraw from the armed neutral alliance. There is no doubt that this request was flatly rejected. So Nelson led 35 ships to attack. The rumble of guns was deafening, and the citizens gathered on the dams and fortifications to watch the excitement were blocked by the smoke caused by gunpowder. Parker's signal to Nelson in the fierce battle was also drowned in it.

The fierce fighting lasted for five hours. British sailors are not only numerous, but also experienced in many battles and naval battles. There are only more than 5,000 Danish sailors, most of whom are recruited temporarily, and they haven't even had time to carry out systematic training. But Fitch made good use of the terrain advantage and stubbornly resisted the British attack. The British took the lead several times, and the three main fleets were hit hard.

Parker saw that the situation was unfavorable and gave Nelson the order to retreat. But I don't know if Nelson really didn't see it, or if he had his own plan in mind and led his men to continue fighting. Under the fierce attack of the British fleet, Denmark gradually lost its support. By 3 pm, 1 1 the warship surrendered. Nelson threatened the Danes that if he continued to resist, he would set fire to the surrendered ships and burn them all.

With the consent of the crown prince, Fitch announced that he would stop fighting. The losses in this battle are extremely heavy. The casualty rate of the Danish army has reached more than half, and bystanders have also been affected by the war. After the defeat of Denmark, it had to accept the request of Britain and withdraw from the armed neutral alliance. Although Nelson paid a huge price, he finally fulfilled his mission and quit with satisfaction.

result

The Danish navy was completely annihilated: 1807, Britain made a comeback, and another naval battle broke out with Denmark, winning a great victory. The Danish navy was wiped out, so it completely joined Napoleon's side and opposed Britain.

Conclusion: The Battle of Copenhagen was launched by Britain in order to get rid of the blockade of the armed neutral alliance. The failure of Denmark aggravated the contradiction between the two sides, and Denmark began to fall to Napoleon's side.