The Icelandic independence movement, or Sjálfstæðisbarátta Íslendinga, emerged in the 19th century as Icelanders sought greater autonomy from Danish rule. For centuries, Iceland had been part of the Danish monarchy, following the signing of the Old Covenant in 1262, which placed Iceland under the Norwegian crown. When Norway merged with Denmark in the Kalmar Union in 1380, Iceland became a distant dependency under Danish control.
In the early 19th century, nationalist sentiments began to grow in Iceland, inspired by European ideas of romanticism and national identity. Danish-educated Icelandic intellectuals, such as the Fjölnismenn, played a key role in this revival of national consciousness. Among them were poets and writers like Jónas Hallgrímsson, who contributed to the journal Fjölnir, advocating for the preservation of Icelandic culture and language.
By 1843, Icelandic demands for autonomy led to the reestablishment of the Althing, Iceland’s traditional legislative assembly, which had been dissolved in 1800. Although the Althing was initially only a consultative body with no real legislative power, its revival was an important step in the growing independence movement. Jón Sigurðsson, the movement’s most prominent leader, argued for greater self-determination through legal and peaceful means, gaining widespread support.
The movement reached a turning point in 1851 when Danish officials attempted to pass legislation without Icelandic consent. Icelandic delegates, under Sigurðsson’s leadership, protested, famously declaring, "Vér mótmælum allir" ("We all protest"). This symbolic act underscored Iceland’s desire for self-governance and solidified Sigurðsson’s role as the face of the independence movement.
Finally, in 1874, Denmark granted Iceland a constitution and limited home rule, marking a major victory for the independence movement. This granted Iceland control over its internal affairs for the first time in centuries, setting the stage for further steps toward full independence, which would follow in the next century.