Britain's pre-emptive seizure of the Danish fleet in 1807 pushed Denmark into alliance with Napoleon and coined the term 'Copenhagenize' for pre-emptive naval seizure.
Key Facts
- Duration
- 16 August – 7 September 1807
- British land force
- 18,000 soldiers soldiers
- British warships
- 17 warships under Admiral Gambier
- Bombardment began
- 2 September 1807
- Danish surrender
- 7 September 1807
- Outcome
- Most of Danish navy seized and taken to England
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
From 1803, Britain and France were engaged in the Napoleonic Wars. By 1807, both powers sought control of Denmark's large navy. Denmark attempted neutrality, but Britain feared France might seize the Danish fleet. In mid-July 1807, George III authorised an expedition to Copenhagen to capture the city and its navy if necessary.
A British force of 18,000 soldiers under General Lord Cathcart and a fleet of 17 warships under Admiral James Gambier arrived off Copenhagen on 15 August 1807. Troops landed at Vedbæk on 16 August, defeated a Danish force at the Battle of Køge on 29 August, and began bombarding the city on 2 September. The defenders sued for peace on 5 September and surrendered on 7 September.
Following the surrender, Britain seized most of the Danish navy and sailed it to England, while ships under construction were destroyed. Denmark subsequently allied with France, joined the Continental System, and engaged Britain in the Anglo-Danish Gunboat War. The event also contributed to the Anglo-Russian War of 1807–1812 and introduced the term 'Copenhagenize' into political vocabulary.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
General Lord Cathcart, Admiral James Gambier.
Side B
1 belligerent