Denmark-Norway could appear to choose Britain and risk pressure or invasion from France and Russia, or join the league and provoke Britain. Crown Prince Frederick understood that either course could lead to war, yet Denmark did not fully mobilize its fleet, fortify Copenhagen, or summon allied forces forward. Its capital's position beside the Danish straits made that indecision unusually consequential. Baltic access mattered to fleets, commerce, and coalition strategy, so Denmark-Norway could not behave as though its alignment were a purely diplomatic choice.
Notable Point · 3:30-5:10
Denmark-Norway's impossible strategic choice
Crown Prince Frederick faced pressure from France and Russia on one side and Britain on the other, with Copenhagen controlling the Baltic approaches.