I know most of you probably don’t give a damn, but I’m going to make this thread anyway. Why? Because I have nothing better to do.
Today is the 100 anniversary of the dissolution between the Sweden-Norway Union (1814-1905).
The union was forced upon Norway after 1814 when Great Britain wanted to “reward” (or compensate us for the loss of Finland in 1809) Sweden for its support in the war against Napoleon (Norway belonged to Denmark ever since the dissolution of the Kalmar Union 1523.).
However the Norwegians refused to accept the Kiel treaty which forced “soon to be king” Jean Baptiste Bernadotte (correct, he is French. He’s more known under his “royal name” Karl XIV Johan however) of Sweden to invade Norway (The Campaign against Norway 1814), after a few battles the defence of Norway quickly crumbles.
On the 14th of August a peace treaty is signed (Treaty of Moss. This is the last war Sweden thus far has taken part in, so we’ve had 191 years of peace!)
On the 4th of November after tough negotiations Sweden and Norway join in a “Personal Union”, Karl XIII (the weakling) is declared King of Sweden and Norway.
Karl XIII (Carl II for the Norwegians)
We got a new flag also (flag of 1844 to 1905).
But in 1905 the story was over, Norway wanted its independence (even though the Union had been very liberal with a lot of freedom for the Norwegians).
Both countries were preparing for a war, but in the end Sweden accepted Norway’s wish.
On the 7th of June a 90 year union ended. Oscar II had to give up the title King of Norway and the Norwegians got their own King, Haakon VII.
Oscar when he was still in charge.
The new man in charge, Haakon VII.
The negotiations in Karlstad 1905.
Too bad for us, think of all the oil we have missed out on.
But congrats to Norway on your independence.
