Most of Denmark is pawned off to the counts (except Skåne, which goes to Sweden) after peasant revolts and conflicts with the Church during the disastrous reign of Christopher II (1319–1332).

For eight years after Christopher's death, Denmark has no king, and is instead controlled by the counts.

After one of them is assassinated in 1340, Christopher's son Valdemar is chosen as king, and gradually begins to recover the pawned territories, which is completed in 1360.

The Black Death, which comes to Denmark during these years, also aids Valdemar's campaign.

His continued efforts to expand the kingdom after 1360 bring him into open conflict with the Hanseatic League.

He conquers Gotland, much to the displeasure of the League, which loses Visby, an important trading town located there.