IV. The Early Modern Period, 1500–1800 > B. Early Modern Europe, 1479–1815 > 5. National Patterns, 1648–1815 > h. Scandinavia > 2. Denmark, Norway, and Iceland > Iceland
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  The Encyclopedia of World History.  2001.
 
 
Iceland
 
Economy and Society: Icelandic economics were dictated by a Danish trade monopoly that severely hampered economic growth. This along with a series of natural disasters decreased population (from 50,444 to 34,000 between 1703 and 1708).  1
Landowners exacted heavy payments from their peasants in both goods and labor. Peasants were required to row the landowners' fishing boats and assist in bringing the fish to market.  2
 
1649
 
King Frederik III sent a royal letter to Iceland assuring Icelanders that their traditions and laws would be respected under his reign.  3
 
1662, July 28
 
Representatives assembled at Kopavog and took an oath of loyalty to King Frederik III after assurances that their laws would be respected.  4
 
1662, July 31
 
A new Danish company chartered to control Icelandic trade. Severe punishments were exacted on those who violated this monopoly by purchasing goods from other foreign vessels. Iceland was also divided into four commercial districts, and trade between districts was forbidden.  5
 
1684
 
A new administrative office created in Iceland to conduct official business and oversee judicial activities regarding the Church. New price schedules for imports and exports raised prices on Icelandic imports and lowered them on exports.  6
 
1690
 
Clemens Bjarnason sentenced to death for witchcraft but pardoned. His sentence was the last for such a crime in Iceland.  7
 
1699
 
King Frederik IV's ascension led the Althing (Icelandic parliament) to prepare a memorial requesting relief from economic hardship. This memorial resulted in  8
 
1702
 
A better price schedule and lighter punishments for buying goods from non-Danish vessels.  9
 
1707
 
Smallpox epidemic killed about a third of the population.  10
 
1752
 
Frederik V granted Skuli Magnussaon, an Icelandic official, a royal rescript for the latter's plan to improve trade and industry in Iceland. Magnussaon made some advances despite continued opposition of Danish interests in the Icelandic trade.  11
 
1770
 
A commission sent by the king reported conditions in Iceland and made several recommendations for change. Cabbage and potato crops encouraged.  12
 
1776
 
Improvements to roads and mails undertaken by government as well as awards to farmers willing to resettle devastated farmlands.  13
 
 
 
The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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