Time Periods
1800-1900 Development of a Nation
During the 19th century the Icelanders made progress towards nationhood. The economy became more diversified as the schooner fishery developed. Trade expanded, and a bourgeoisie emerged.
The foundation of a nation state and the first steps towards democracy went hand in hand. In 1845 an advisory assembly, the Alþingi, was founded in Reykjavík. In 1874 the Alþingi was granted legislative powers. But as yet only about half the adult male population had the right to vote.
The fisheries developed. Schooners were used for fishing; they could sail farther from land and fish for more months of the year than fishermen in open boats. With the advent of the schooner, it became possible to make a living from the fisheries alone. But fishermen in open boats were still catching more fish in total than the schooners.
The Key Object of this Time Period: Skautbúningur Costume
19th-Century Exhibits
Highlights of the Exhibition
- Communal Living Room - All Together Now
- The Rowing Boat - Sail and Oar
- Schooner Fishing - Shark and Seal
- Culture and Education - The Artist and Social Culture
- Photography - Self-Image - Image
- Nation State - The First Steps
- Leader and Bourgeois Culture - The Making of a Bourgeoisie
- On the Road - Postmen, Casual Workers and Vagabonds
- Moving Home - Movement of People and Bonded Workers