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British Attack on Copenhagen
1807-08–1807-09
The British attack on Copenhagen in 1807 was a pre-emptive expedition intended to prevent the Danish fleet from falling under Napoleonic control. After Denmark refused British demands to place its fleet in temporary British custody, an army landed on Zealand while the Royal Navy blockaded Copenhagen.
British forces bombarded the city from 2 to 5 September, causing extensive destruction and civilian casualties. Denmark capitulated and surrendered its fleet, but the operation drove Denmark-Norway into closer alliance with France and began the Gunboat War with Britain.
