The Two Battles of Copenhagen 1801 and 1807

Gareth Glover's "The Two Battles of Copenhagen 1801 and 1807: Britain and Denmark in the Napoleonic Wars" examines two naval engagements that, while often treated as footnotes in the broader narrative of the Napoleonic Wars, played a significant role in shaping British strategic policy and Anglo-Danish relations during a turbulent period of European history. Glover, a respected military historian known for his detailed archival work on the Napoleonic era, brings together these two related but distinct episodes into a single cohesive study, offering readers a clearer understanding of why Britain twice found itself compelled to attack a nominally neutral Denmark.

The book's structure allows for a logical progression through the events of 1801 and 1807, treating each battle within its own political and military context while also drawing connections between them. The 1801 Battle of Copenhagen, famous for Nelson's alleged use of his blind eye to ignore a signal to withdraw, is presented with attention to the diplomatic tensions surrounding the Armed Neutrality of the North, a coalition that Britain viewed as a threat to its maritime dominance and its ability to blockade French trade. Glover explains how this alliance, involving Denmark, Sweden, and Russia, prompted a preemptive British strike aimed at neutralizing the Danish fleet before it could be used against British interests.

The second half of the book turns to the lesser-known but arguably more controversial 1807 bombardment of Copenhagen, an event that saw British forces launch an assault on a civilian population in order to seize the Danish navy before Napoleon could commandeer it. Glover does not shy away from the ethical complexities of this episode, presenting the bombardment as a stark example of Britain's willingness to act decisively, even ruthlessly, in defense of its naval supremacy. This section of the book benefits from Glover's characteristic thoroughness, drawing on a range of primary sources to illustrate the human cost of the attack and the diplomatic fallout that followed, including Denmark's subsequent alliance with France.

One of the strengths of Glover's work lies in his ability to contextualize these battles within the larger framework of the Napoleonic Wars, demonstrating how British naval strategy was often dictated by the need to prevent any single power from controlling enough warships to challenge the Royal Navy's dominance. The book effectively conveys the high stakes involved in maintaining Britain's naval superiority, and how this priority sometimes overrode considerations of neutrality or diplomatic norms. Glover's analysis of the political maneuvering behind both attacks adds depth to what might otherwise be viewed as isolated military actions.

The writing throughout is clear and accessible, avoiding unnecessary jargon while still providing enough technical detail to satisfy readers with a serious interest in naval history. Glover's prose moves at a steady pace, balancing narrative momentum with careful explanation of the political and military considerations at play. The book includes useful background on the ships, commanders, and tactics involved in both battles, which will appeal to readers who enjoy detailed accounts of naval engagements from this era.

Where the book particularly succeeds is in its treatment of the human and political consequences of these battles, particularly the 1807 bombardment, which resulted in significant civilian casualties and left a lasting impression on Danish national memory. Glover's willingness to address the moral ambiguities of British actions, rather than simply celebrating naval victories, lends the book a balanced and thoughtful perspective that avoids uncritical patriotism.

For readers interested in the broader context of the Napoleonic Wars, particularly the naval dimensions of the conflict and the complexities of maintaining neutrality in a world dominated by great power rivalries, this book offers a valuable and well-researched account. It fills a gap in the literature by bringing together two events that are often studied separately, providing a more complete picture of how Britain's relationship with Denmark evolved over the course of these pivotal years. Overall, Glover's work stands as a solid contribution to the study of naval warfare during the Napoleonic era, offering both military detail and political insight in equal measure.