How did Iceland gain home rule in 1904?

Iceland gained home rule in 1904 following decades of political struggle to transfer executive power from the Danish government to Iceland.1

While the Althing had been granted legislative power over internal affairs via a constitution in 1874, executive authority remained under the jurisdiction of the Danish minister of justice. The path to home rule was finally opened in 1901, when the introduction of rule by parliamentary majority in Denmark brought the Liberal party to power. The Liberals were more sympathetic to Icelandic autonomy than the Conservatives, facilitating the transition.1

Consequently, in 1904, Iceland achieved home rule, and the first Icelandic minister established an office in Reykjavík. At that same time, the principle of rule by parliamentary majority was formally introduced to the country.1