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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:21:10

Iceland

Island country in North Atlantic
Island country in North Atlantic

Iceland's history began with Viking settlements in the 9th century. It faced challenges like famine, disease, and volcanic eruptions in the 1700s.

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800
Irish Monks Settlement in Iceland

Irish Monks, known as Papar, were the first settlers in Iceland. They left behind artifacts, books, crosses, and bells before the Norse arrived.

870
First Settlements in Iceland

Icelandic history began with the first settlements around the year 870, marking the arrival of the Vikings to the island.

874
First Official Settlement in Iceland

In 874, the first official settlement was established in Iceland by Vikings, marking the beginning of organized human habitation on the island.

930
Founding of the Icelandic Parliament

In 930, Icelanders founded the world's first parliament, known as the Althing, making it a significant milestone in the history of democratic governance.

961
Eldgjá Volcano Eruption

In 961, the Eldgjá volcano in Southern Iceland erupted, spewing 7.7 square miles of lava and sulfuric gas that affected Northern Europe and even reached Northern China. This event led many Norse settlers in Iceland to convert to Christianity, partly due to the belief that the eruption was a sign from God.

999-01
Christianization of Iceland

In 999 AD, King Olaf Tryggvason of Norway attempted to force Icelanders to convert to Christianity after failed missionary attempts. He closed trading routes and Norwegian ports to pressure Icelanders into accepting the new religion.

1000
Conversion to Christianity

In the year 1000, the Alþingi appointed chieftain Thorgeir Ljosvetningagodi to arbitrate a potential civil war between religious groups in Iceland. He decided that the country should convert to Christianity, but pagans were allowed to worship privately. This marked a significant shift in Iceland's religious landscape.

1056
Consecration of First Icelandic Bishop

In 1056, the first Icelandic bishop, Ísleifur Gissurarson, was consecrated by bishop Adalbert of Hamburg. This event marked an important development in the Christianization of Iceland.

1220
Age of the Sturlungs Civil War

In the 13th century, a civil war known as the Age of the Sturlungs occurred in Iceland, where powerful chieftains battled over whether Iceland should become a subject of the King of Norway.

1262
Icelanders Agree to Norwegian Rule

After years of internal conflict, Icelandic chieftains gathered at Þingvellir in 1262 to negotiate with the Norwegian king and ultimately agreed to bring Iceland under the Norwegian crown. However, the East-Fjords region resisted this agreement initially.

1297
Conclusion of the staðamál disputes

The staðamál disputes, which revolved around the benefits of secular aristocrats from proprietary churches, concluded in 1297. This resolution led to a significant transfer of wealth and power from the aristocracy to the Church in Iceland.

1380
Union of Norway and Iceland with the Danish crown

In 1380, Iceland entered a union with Norway under the Danish crown, marking a significant political development in the region.

1397
Kalmar Union founded

In 1397, the Kalmar Union was established, bringing together Sweden, Norway, and eventually Iceland under Danish rule. This union brought a period of relative peace to Iceland for about a century.

1547
First Printed Map of Iceland

In 1547, a special map of Iceland appeared in a printed book for the first time. This map provided a visual representation of the country and its geographical features.

1550
Icelandic Bishop Jón Arason's Execution

In the year 1550, the Catholic bishop Jón Arason in Iceland resisted the Danish government's attempt to impose Lutheranism and seize church property. Despite gaining followers, he was ultimately executed along with his two sons for his defiance.

1602
Establishment of Crippling Trade Monopoly in Iceland

After being frightened into control by the Danes, Icelanders faced a crippling trade monopoly where only Swedish and Danish companies were allowed trading rights in Iceland for 12-year periods, leading to tough times for the next 250 years.

1627
Barbarian Pirate Raid on Vestmannaeyjar Islands

In 1627, barbarian pirates launched a famous raid on the Vestmannaeyjar islands in Iceland, attacking from different fronts and causing devastation. They kidnapped 242 Icelanders, taking them to Algeria to be sold into slavery.

1707
Smallpox epidemic in Iceland

In 1707, Iceland was hit by a powerful smallpox epidemic that resulted in the death of 18,000 people.

1761
Map of Landsfjörður administrative districts

A map from 1761 depicting Landsfjörður, the four administrative districts into which Iceland was divided in 965, showcasing Iceland's historical administrative divisions.

1783-06
Laki Eruption

The violent eruption of the Laki volcano in Iceland from June 1783 to February 1784 killed 9,000 citizens and wiped out 80 percent of the nation's livestock, leading to a devastating famine.

1798
Last Althing at Thingvellir National Park

The last Althing, a traditional Icelandic assembly, was held at Thingvellir National Park in 1798 before being re-established later on.

1821
Vaccination law imposed in Iceland

Before the vaccination law was imposed in 1821, smallpox ravaged Iceland at frequent intervals, leading to population decline.

1844
First official election for re-established Althing

In 1844, the first official election was held for the re-established Althing, marking a significant step in Iceland's political history.

1845
Restoration of the Althing

In 1845, the 'Althing' was restored in Iceland as a national consultative assembly, marking a step towards greater independence from Denmark.

1870
Migration from Iceland to Canada, North America, Australia, and Brazil begins

Starting in 1870, a significant number of people from Iceland began migrating to countries like Canada, North America, Australia, and Brazil, seeking new opportunities and a better life.

1874
Iceland's path to independence

Amidst foreign oppression for centuries, Icelanders were inspired by the liberal movements in Europe and the rejection of being displayed as uneducated at the World Fair, leading to a strong push for independence.

1875
Askja Volcanic Eruption

In 1875, the Askja volcano in Iceland erupted, spewing poisonous ash that resulted in the death of livestock in the area. The eruption added to the challenges faced by the Icelandic population, contributing to the reasons for emigration.

1903
Icelandic People Win Complete Domestic Autonomy

During the 1800s, the Icelandic people fought for political reforms and in 1903, they achieved complete domestic autonomy, gaining more control over their internal affairs.

1910
Inclusion of Iceland in Haydn's Dictionary of Dates 25th Edition

In 1910, Iceland was featured in Benjamin Vincent's article in the 25th edition of Haydn's Dictionary of Dates.

1913
Catholic Encyclopedia (1913) - Iceland

The Catholic Encyclopedia published in 1913 includes information about Iceland. It provides historical and cultural insights about the country.

1918
Denmark recognizes Iceland as a fully sovereign state

As a result of Iceland's competent governance during World War I and its ability to acquire further powers, Denmark recognized Iceland as a fully sovereign state in 1918.

1930
Outbreak of the Great Depression in Iceland

The outbreak of the Great Depression in Iceland led to a severe economic crash, causing a significant decrease in the value of exports and lasting economic hardship until the outbreak of World War II.

1940-04-10
Iceland takes temporary control of foreign affairs

Due to the occupation of Denmark by Nazi Germany, Iceland took temporary control of foreign affairs and the Coast Guard on April 10, 1940, leading to the country becoming de facto fully sovereign.

1940-05-10
British invasion of Iceland

British military forces invaded Iceland in Operation Fork due to the country's strategic importance and the risk of German takeover. The occupation lasted throughout the war, with the British stationing 25,000 troops in Iceland.

1941-07
United States taking over Iceland's occupation and defense

Responsibility for Iceland's occupation and defense was transferred to the United States under a U.S.-Icelandic agreement, ensuring Iceland's absolute independence. Up to 40,000 American troops replaced the British forces in Iceland.

1944-06-17
Iceland Independence Day

Iceland gained independence from Denmark on June 17, 1944.

1944-06-17
Iceland Proclaimed a Republic

On 17 June 1944, Iceland was formally proclaimed a republic after the Althing adopted a resolution ending the Icelandic-Danish Act of Union, solidifying its status as an independent nation.

1946-10
Termination of U.S. responsibility for the defense of Iceland

In October 1946, the Icelandic and United States governments agreed to terminate U.S. responsibility for the defense of Iceland, but the United States retained certain rights at Keflavík.

1949-03-30
Iceland becomes a charter member of NATO

Iceland became a charter member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on 30 March 1949, with the reservation that it would never take part in offensive action against another nation.

1950
Dissolution of Personal Union with Denmark

In 1950, Iceland officially dissolved the personal union with Denmark, reclaiming more control over its foreign affairs and cultural heritage.

1951-05-05
U.S. takes responsibility for Iceland's defense

After the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, the United States and Iceland agreed that the United States should again take responsibility for Iceland's defense. This agreement was the authority for the controversial U.S. military presence in Iceland, which remained until 2006.

1958-09
The Cod Wars

The Cod Wars were a series of confrontations between Iceland and the United Kingdom over fishing rights in the North Atlantic Ocean. Iceland's victory was achieved by using enormous ocean scissors to cut the nets of British ships fishing in Icelandic territory, without causing harm to humans.

1968
Iceland's population reaches 200,000

In 1968, Iceland's population reached 200,000 for the first time, reflecting demographic changes and growth in the country.

1970
Population of Iceland reaches 204,930

In 1970, Iceland's population had increased to 204,930, indicating further growth and development in the country.

1976
Third Cod War

After the third Cod War in 1976, the United Kingdom finally agreed to the territory as being Icelandic. Icelanders had even threatened to leave NATO if the situation did not change.

1980
First Female President of Iceland Elected

In 1980, Icelanders made history by electing Vígdís Finnbogadóttir as the first female president in the world. This event marked a significant milestone for gender equality and women's empowerment in Iceland.

1984
Census shows Iceland's population at 240,443

The census of 1984 revealed that Iceland's population had reached 240,443, demonstrating continued population growth and stability.

1986
Meeting of Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan in Reykjavík

In 1986, Mikhail Gorbachev and Ronald Reagan met in Reykjavík to discuss and prepare for a later meeting in Washington. Although no clear decision was reached, this meeting was a significant step towards the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty between the United States and the Soviet Union.

1988
Medieval Iceland: Society, Sagas and Power

Jesse Byock published a book titled 'Medieval Iceland: Society, Sagas and Power' in 1988, focusing on the society, sagas, and power dynamics of medieval Iceland.

1989
First Female President Elected in Iceland

In 1989, Iceland made a significant step towards equality by electing its first female president, Vigdís Finnbogadóttir. She became the world's first democratically voted female president and served until 1996.

1990
Iceland's population estimated at 250,000

In 1990, Iceland's population was estimated to be around 250,000, showing a steady increase in the number of inhabitants.

1991
Formation of Coalition Government in Iceland

In 1991, the Independence Party, led by Davíð Oddsson, formed a coalition government with the Social Democrats in Iceland, initiating market liberalisation policies and privatisation of state-owned companies.

1994
Iceland Joins European Economic Area

Iceland became a member of the European Economic Area in 1994, leading to economic stability and significant reduction in inflation.

1995
Privatisation and Tax Reforms in Iceland

In 1995, the Independence Party formed a coalition government with the Progressive Party in Iceland, implementing free market policies, privatising banks and telecom companies, and reducing corporate income tax.

1997
Bloodtaking and Peacemaking: Feud, Law, and Society in Saga Iceland

The book 'Bloodtaking and Peacemaking: Feud, Law, and Society in Saga Iceland' was published by the University of Chicago Press in 1997, exploring the legal and societal aspects of feuds in Icelandic sagas.

2000
History of Iceland

Gunnar Karlsson published a book titled 'History of Iceland' in 2000, providing insights into the historical narrative of Iceland.

2002
Ísland á 20. öld

A publication titled 'Ísland á 20. öld' was released in 2002, focusing on Iceland in the 20th century.

2003
Publication of 'Political Chronology of Europe' entry on Iceland

In 2003, Europa Publications included an entry on Iceland in their 'Political Chronology of Europe', providing political timeline information about the country.

2004
Davíð Oddsson Steps Down as Prime Minister

In 2004, Davíð Oddsson, Iceland’s longest-serving Prime Minister, stepped down after 13 years in office, leading to a change in leadership with Halldór Ásgrímsson taking over as prime minister.

2006-08-12
Withdrawal of United States Forces from Iceland

In March 2006, the United States announced the withdrawal of the Icelandic Defence Force, with the last four F-15's leaving Icelandic airspace on 12 August 2006.

2008-10
Icelandic Banking System Collapse

In October 2008, the Icelandic banking system collapsed, leading Iceland to seek large loans from the International Monetary Fund and other countries.

2009-02-01
Resignation of Haarde Government

Widespread protests in late 2008 and early 2009 resulted in the resignation of the Haarde government, which was replaced by a coalition government led by the Social Democratic Alliance and the Left-Green Movement.

2010-04
Eyjafjallajökull Eruption

In April 2010, the powerful Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland erupted unexpectedly, causing the shutdown of air traffic across Europe. The eruption lasted until May 22 of the same year.

2011
Grimsvotn Volcano Eruption

In 2011, an eruption occurred at Grimsvotn volcano in Iceland. The volcanic activity added to the geological history of the region, showcasing the dynamic nature of Iceland's landscape.

2012
The Territorialization of Power in the Icelandic Commonwealth

Sverrir Jakobsson contributed to 'The Territorialization of Power in the Icelandic Commonwealth' in 2012, part of the book 'Statsutvikling i Skandinavia i middelalderen'.

2013-04
Election of Eurosceptic parties in backlash against austerity measures

In April 2013, Eurosceptic and centre-right parties won the parliamentary election in Iceland, reflecting a backlash against the Social Democrats' austerity measures.

2014
Holuhraun Lava Field Eruption

Eruptions originating from Baroarbunga stratovolcano led to the formation of the Holuhraun lava field in 2014. The volcanic activity was significant but less impactful compared to other eruptions in Iceland.

2016-08-01
Guðni Th. Jóhannesson Becomes President of Iceland

On 1 August 2016, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson became the new president of Iceland, and he was re-elected with an overwhelming majority of the vote in the 2020 presidential election.

2017
Hekla Volcano Activity

In 2017, the Icelandic population observed signs of potential eruption beneath Hekla volcano. This event highlighted the continuous volcanic activity in Iceland and the need for monitoring such geological phenomena.

2018-10
Everything You Need to Know About Iceland's Blue Lagoon

Comprehensive guide to Iceland's Blue Lagoon.

2019-08-26
Brief overview of the history of Iceland

Agnes Arnórsdóttir provided a concise summary of the history of Iceland from the Vikings to modern times on August 26, 2019.

2022-09-27
Arctic Adventures Community Member Stories

Arctic Adventures community consists of staff members, guest bloggers, travelers, nature lovers, and Iceland enthusiasts. They share stories about Iceland's history, including how the island formed, the settlement of Vikings, historical sagas, fight for independence, volcanic eruptions, ice ages, and current status.

2023
Travelers' Choice 2023

An event where certain tours and destinations in Iceland are recognized as top choices by travelers in the year 2023.

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Iceland
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