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...
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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...
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