League of Armed Neutrality — Battle of Copenhagen Strategic Outcome, Tsar Paul I, Alexander I | UPSC World History MCQ

The Battle of Copenhagen (1801) had far-reaching strategic consequences. Consider the following:
Statement I: The assassination of Tsar Paul I of Russia and the accession of Alexander I contributed to the collapse of the League of Armed Neutrality, securing British maritime dominance.
Statement II: The League of Armed Neutrality was formed by Russia, Denmark-Norway, Sweden, and Prussia to challenge British naval supremacy by blocking all trade with Britain.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Correct Answer: Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I

Both statements are factually correct. However, Statement II does not explain Statement I. Statement I describes the post-battle strategic outcome (collapse of the League), while Statement II describes the background/formation and purpose of the League — not the reasons for its collapse. The collapse was triggered by the assassination of Tsar Paul I, not by the League's original formation purpose.

Statement-wise Analysis

• Statement I — Correct: After the British victory at Copenhagen, the subsequent assassination of Tsar Paul I of Russia and accession of his son Alexander I led to the total collapse of the League of Armed Neutrality. Russia, as the League's driving force under Paul I, withdrew cooperation under Alexander I, effectively ending the coalition and securing British maritime dominance in the Baltic Sea.
• Statement II — Correct but doesn't explain Statement I: The League of Armed Neutrality comprised Russia, Denmark-Norway, Sweden, and Prussia. It was formed because Britain perceived this coalition as a French-aligned threat to its Baltic Sea trade routes and naval resources. The League aimed to protect neutral shipping from British interference. However, this statement describes the formation of the League, not the reasons for its collapse described in Statement I.

Why the Dannebroge is in News (2026)

Marine archaeologists have recently located and begun excavating the Dannebroge — the Danish flagship sunk by the British during the Battle of Copenhagen — over two centuries after the battle, bringing renewed scholarly interest in this pivotal naval engagement.

Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson's Famous Act

During the battle, Nelson famously ignored Admiral Hyde Parker's signal to withdraw by placing his telescope to his blind eye, claiming he could not see the signal. This inspired the phrase 'to turn a blind eye' in the English language.