Union Between Sweden and Norway - 1905 in Retrospect

1905 in Retrospect

The events of 1905 put an end to the uneasy Union between Sweden and Norway that was entered into in 1814 — reluctantly by Norway, coerced by superior Swedish force. The events of both years have much in common, but there are significant differences:

• In 1814 the Norwegian struggle for independence was an elite project with scant popular support. In 1905 it was driven forward by popular consensus and elected representatives of the people.

• The Union of 1814 was the result of a Swedish initiative, while the dissolution of 1905 came about because Norway took the initiative.

• The crisis of 1814 was triggered because Sweden saw Norway as legitimate booty of war and as compensation for the loss of Finland in 1809, while Norway based its claim to independence on the principle of popular sovereignty. It was resolved because of wise and statesmanlike conduct by the leaders on both sides. The crisis of 1905 was caused by the rise of nationalism during the late 1800s, while the opposite interpretations of the Union still had a wide and increasing following in both countries.

• In 1814 Norway was an underdeveloped country with weak infrastructure and institutions. In 1905 Norway was a well-developed state with 91 years' experience of independent government since the union with Denmark. Its armed forces were no longer as heavily outnumbered in compaison with those of Sweden.

• The great powers viewed Norwegian independence more favourably in 1905 than in 1814.