Celebrating the centenary in the UK

2005 saw scores of events around the UK celebrating the centenary anniversary of Norway's independence from Sweden. These included a royal visit, a film festival, exhibitions, concerts and seminars.

War or peace?

The end of the union between Sweden and Norway in 1905 is one of very few examples of a peaceful dissolution of a union in the twentieth century. However, it was accompanied by military moves, and there was always the threat of war looming in the background. During the course of summer and autumn 1905, Sweden and Norway made quite extensive preparations for war. In both countries, there were...

The Great Powers and the union crisis

Scandinavia was not an area of prime interest for the European great powers around 1905. Other countries and other areas were more important. In 1905, the situation in Europe was dominated by the war between Russia and Japan. The Great Powers were squabbling amongst themselves about influence in the colonies. They were particularly preoccupied with the struggle for Morocco. This issue reached...

The events of 1905

The year 2005 marks the centennial anniversary of the peaceful dissolution of the union between Sweden and Norway. The timeline below shows the most important events that took place during 1905. 7 February: Negotiations between Norway and Sweden on the issue of foreign policy, and in particular consular administration, are terminated. 11 March: With no backing for further negotiations, Norwegia...

1905 – A Peaceful Separation

On 7 June 1905, the Norwegian Storting held an emergency meeting, during which Prime Minister Christian Michelsen submitted the resignation of his government. Since Swedish King Oscar II could only exercise power over Norway through its government, this meant that the King lost the ability to exercise his royal functions. Thereafter, the Storting adopted a unanimous declaration conferring power...

Celebrating the centenary in the UK

War or peace?

The Great Powers and the union crisis

The events of 1905

1905 – A Peaceful Separation

Royal Norwegian Embassy in London