From Commerce to Violence: The Second Bombardment of Copenhagen (1807)

During the Napoleonic Wars, in 1807, Britain attacked small neutral state of Denmark without direct provocation, bombarded Copenhagen, seized its navy, and temporarily occupied part territory. Killing displacing thousands civilians, this was a highly traumatic experience for survivors deeply controversial among contemporaries. This article examines how debates over legitimacy attack were framed within predominant understandings international law. International law at turn 19th century characterized by dualism containing both “Law Nations” Nature.”By utilizing divergent aspects these discourses, shows critics defenders British military action able to frame their positions existing frameworks nascent