Danish–Icelandic Act of Union

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The Danish–Icelandic Act of Union, a December 1, 1918, agreement signed by Iceland and Denmark, recognized Iceland as a fully sovereign state – the Kingdom of Iceland – joined with Denmark in a personal union with the Danish king. Iceland established its own flag, declared its neutrality and asked Denmark to represent its foreign affairs and defense interests. The Act would be up for revision in 1940 and could be revoked three years later if agreement was not reached.

On June 17, 1944, during the occupation of Denmark by Nazi Germany, while itself occupied by the armed forces of the United States, Iceland severed the ties to the Danish king and declared itself a republic.