The anti-NATO riot in Iceland of 30 March 1949 was prompted by the decision of the Alþingi, the Icelandic parliament, to join the newly formed NATO, thereby involving Iceland directly in the Cold War,
Fighting breaks out between anti- and pro-NATO supporters, and police. The windows of the House of the Althing have been smashed (30 March 1949).
Policemen in gas masks guard Austurvöllur after dispersing the crowd with tear gas
People gather in front of the House of the Althing.
Police are prepared for trouble in front of the House of the Althing.
Sveinn Björnsson
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Sveinn Björnsson was the first president of Iceland, serving from 1944 to 1952.
Sveinn Björnsson
Björn Sveinsson Björnsson, Sveinn's eldest son, survived the war and died in 1998.