During the First World War (1914–1918), Denmark maintained its neutrality. The position of neutrality was agreed to by all the major political parties.[1]
Denmark maintained trade with both sides of the war, and was among several neutral countries that exported canned meat to the German army. Danish speculators made fortunes on canned meat products, which were often of mediocre quality, while 275 Danish merchant ships were sunk, and approximately 700 Danish sailors perished during the war.[1]