Gilgo

Founded by free Danish settlers in 1795, Gilgoland remained a small colony until silver was discovered in 1803. The colony grew rapidly as Danish, Norwegian and Swedish nationals flocked to the colony in it’s silver rush.

During the 1830’s a national spirit developed in Denmark and in her colonies. In 1841, Gilgoland applied for provinceship in The Kingdom of Denmark and were accepted into the crown. During the early 20th century, Gilgoland supported Denmark in it’s movement to stay neutral during The First World War, and the colony grew to be a large coal supplier, selling resources to France and Great Britain.

During The Second World War, many Danish nationals fled their occupied country to seek refuge Gilgoland. The colony supplied the axis forces with shipping and materials due to their occupied status. During the occupation, a large nationalistic movement grew and the provincial government applied many autocratic laws to strengthen their position.

After the war, Gilgoland was granted their independence from The Kingdom of Denmark, but the nationalist movement proceeded to play a large role in Gilgo politics, and the UN gave repeated warnings to Gilgoland due to their increased militarization.

In 1978 a large massacre of the native population took place in Gilgo, and the international community condemned the government for it’s inhumane treatment of the indigenous population. Trade sanctions were placed, but were later lifted in 1986.

Currently, Gilgo is a part of the Archipelago Defense Pact and a member of the Archipelago Defensive Council.