Kingdom of Norway (1814)

Quick Facts: Who was Kingdom of Norway (1814)?

Subject:

Kingdom of Norway (1814)

Known for:

A brief, pivotal attempt at Norwegian independence following the Treaty of Kiel in 1814.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

In 1814, the Kingdom of Norway briefly tried to regain independence. Although legally a separate kingdom, since the 16th century it shared the monarch with Denmark. Norway was a subordinate partner in the combined state, whose government was based in Copenhagen. Due to its alliance with France during the Napoleonic Wars, Denmark was forced to sign the Treaty of Kiel in January 1814 ceding Norway to Sweden. However, many Norwegians were inspired by nationalism and resented being transferred without their consent to Sweden, their traditional rival.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Led by Christian Frederick, who was Denmark's representative in Norway and also the king of Denmark's cousin and heir presumptive, Norway tried to assert its rights as an independent state. In May 1814, a government and constitution were established which named Christian Frederick king of Norway. The new Norwegian state did not gain support or recognition from any foreign power, and lost a two-week war with Sweden in summer 1814. However, the resulting Convention of Moss preserved many of the independence movement's aspirations: Norway remained mostly autonomous in a personal union with Sweden, and retained its new constitution with slight modifications. Christian Frederick, forced to abdicate as king of Norway, would become king of Denmark as Christian VIII in 1839.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Norway would eventually fully break away from Sweden in 1905. An independence movement in Norway existed by the 1790s. It grew during the Napoleonic War. Denmark–Norway fought on the French side in the war through its participation in the Gunboat War. After France began to lose the war and Denmark-Norway's navy was destroyed, its shores were defenseless.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1814: 1814 Milestone — In 1814, the Kingdom of Norway briefly tried to regain independence.
2. 1839: 1839 Milestone — Christian Frederick, forced to abdicate as king of Norway, would become king of Denmark as Christian VIII in 1839.
3. 1905: 1905 Milestone — Norway would eventually fully break away from Sweden in 1905.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kingdom of Norway (1814)

True or False: “The Convention of Moss immediately granted Norway full, undisputed sovereignty separate from Sweden.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Convention of Moss preserved a personal union with Sweden and allowed Norway to retain its new constitution with slight modifications.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adolphe Sax — Historical peer (Born in 1814) (1814): Belgian inventor who created the saxophone and revolutionized wind instruments.
• Alexander Cunningham — Historical peer (Born in 1814) (1814): Pioneering British archaeologist and founder of the Archaeological Survey of India.
• Anne Lee Guinness — Historical peer (Born in 1839) (1839): Irish philanthropist known for establishing nursing homes and supporting the poor in Dublin.
• Bernardino Caballero — Historical peer (Born in 1839) (1839): Influential Paraguayan general and statesman, founder of the Colorado Party.
• Adolph Menzel — Historical peer (Died in 1905) (1905): Pioneering German Realist master, celebrated for his detailed etchings and genre scenes.
• Adolphe, Grand Duke of Luxembourg — Historical peer (Died in 1905) (1905): Grand Duke of Luxembourg, ruling from 1890 until his death in 1905.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kingdom of Norway (1814)