Iceland was ruled by Norway, and later Denmark for centuries. Denmark affectively ruined Iceland with its exclusive trade policies, making Iceland one of the poorest countries in all of Europe.
However, there was a massive Icelandic nationalist movement during the 1800's, which eventually led to self-rule 1874, then an act of union in 1918, and finally the establishment of the Icelandic Republic in 1944. All of this was done, remarkably, in a peaceful fashion.
How can Iceland gain independence earlier (ie. in the 19th century), and how can this turn violent? Iceland would presumably return to a Commonwealth, but what would an earlier independent Iceland be like? Who would it ally with, and who would be its enemies? Would it attempt expansion? Would fishing territory conflict with other countries (Britain, Norway, ect.) be likely?
However, there was a massive Icelandic nationalist movement during the 1800's, which eventually led to self-rule 1874, then an act of union in 1918, and finally the establishment of the Icelandic Republic in 1944. All of this was done, remarkably, in a peaceful fashion.
How can Iceland gain independence earlier (ie. in the 19th century), and how can this turn violent? Iceland would presumably return to a Commonwealth, but what would an earlier independent Iceland be like? Who would it ally with, and who would be its enemies? Would it attempt expansion? Would fishing territory conflict with other countries (Britain, Norway, ect.) be likely?