Norwegian Constituent Assembly

Quick Facts: Who was Norwegian Constituent Assembly?

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Norwegian Constituent Assembly

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The 1814 assembly that drafted the Norwegian Constitution, formalizing independence.

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Origins & Early Life

The Norwegian Constituent Assembly (Norwegian: Grunnlovsforsamlingen or Riksforsamlingen) is the name given to the 1814 constitutional assembly that adopted the Norwegian Constitution and formalised the dissolution of the union with Denmark. The meetings took place at the Eidsvoll Manor in the village of Eidsvoll Verk in the Eidsvoll parish in Akershus county, Norway from 10 April to 20 May 1814. In Norway, it is often just referred to as Eidsvollsforsamlingen, which means The Assembly of Eidsvoll. The election started in February 1814 in Christiania (now Oslo) in order to draft the Norwegian Constitution. The Assembly gathered at Eidsvoll Manor (Eidsvollsbygningen) and became known as "The Men of Eidsvoll" (Eidsvollsmennene).

Career & Major Achievements

They first met on 10 April by Eidsvoll Church before the assembly formally opened the next day. It was intended to be composed of delegates from the entire country but the northernmost parts were not represented because of the long distances and lack of time. Wilhelm Frimann Koren Christie was the assembly's permanent secretary. The Assembly agreed upon the text of the Constitution on 17 May 1814 which from the 1820s began to be celebrated as Norway's National Day although the document was actually signed and dated on the 18th. Sverdrup, who was the last president, gave the final speech.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The assembly members departed on 20 May with the oath "United and loyal until the mountains of Dovre crumble!". Over the nearly six weeks that the assembly was meeting, the presidents and vice presidents of the assembly were chosen for one week at a time. The presidents were: 10-17 April: Peder Anker 18-24 April: Diderik Hegermann 25 April-1 May: Jens Schou Fabricius 2-8 May: Christian Adolph Diriks 9-16 May: Christian Magnus Falsen 17-20 May: Georg Sverdrup Forced in early 1814 to sign the Treaty of Kiel as an ally of France in the later phase of the Napoleonic Wars, the King of Denmark-Norway had to cede Norway to the King of Sweden. The people of Norway, never consulted, objected to the royal sell-out. The vice-roy and heir presumptive of Denmark-Norway, Christian Frederik, took the lead in an insurrection and called a Constitutional Assembly at Eidsvoll.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1814: 1814 Milestone — The Norwegian Constituent Assembly (Norwegian: Grunnlovsforsamlingen or Riksforsamlingen) is the name given to the 1814 constitutional assembly that adopted the Norwegian Constitution and formalised the dissolution of the union with Denmark.

Notable Quotes by Norwegian Constituent Assembly

“United and loyal until the mountains of Dovre crumble!” (1814)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Norwegian Constituent Assembly

True or False: “The delegates at Eidsvoll Manor were fully represented by members from every corner of Norway during their meetings.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The northernmost parts were not represented due to the long distances and lack of time for delegates to attend.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Norwegian Constituent Assembly