Norwegian War of Independence

Quick Facts: Who was Norwegian War of Independence?

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Norwegian War of Independence

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The 1814 conflict where Sweden forced Norway into a union against its will.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Swedish–Norwegian War was a war fought between Sweden and Norway in the summer of 1814. According to the Treaty of Kiel, Norway would enter a union with Sweden under Charles XIII of Sweden. The war resulted in Norway being forced into the United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway, but with its own constitution and parliament. The war marked the last time Sweden participated in an armed conflict with another nation until 2011, and its conclusion signalled the beginning of the country's long period of military neutrality. As early as in 1812, prior to the Napoleonic invasion of Russia, the Swedish Crown Prince Charles John (Karl Johan) – formerly Marshal of France Jean Baptiste Bernadotte – had entered into an agreement with Tsar Alexander I that Russia would support a Swedish attack on Norway in order to force Denmark–Norway to cede its northern part to Sweden.

Career & Major Achievements

The Swedish attack against Norway was postponed however, due to the fluid state of the conflict between Napoleon and the Sixth Coalition. The Swedish Army and, incidentally, Karl Johan's skills as a general, were urgently needed against France in Central Europe. On 18 May 1813, Swedish troops re-occupied Swedish Pomerania and deployed against Napoleon's forces as a result of treaties between Karl Johan (on behalf of Sweden), Great Britain and Prussia, which ceded Norway to Sweden for its participation in the war, becoming effective after France and its allies (including Denmark–Norway) were defeated. In early December, Karl Johan led an invasion of Denmark with his Allied Army of the North that included Swedes, Russians and North Germans. The Danes were outnumbered and were unable to mount a coherent defense against Karl Johan's battle-hardened army.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Within a few days, the Danes were forced out of Holstein and into Jutland proper. By 14 December, Bernadotte agreed to an armistice and peace talks began in Kiel on the basis of ceding Norway to the Swedish king in return for Swedish Pomerania, additional territory in North Germany, specifics to be decided at the general peace conference following the cessation of hostilities between the Sixth Coalition and Imperial France, as well as 1,000,000 Riksdalers. The Danish position was hopeless and by early January 1814, King Frederick VI of Denmark–Norway reconciled himself to the necessity of losing Norway. By the Treaty of Kiel, signed on 13 January, King Frederick VI had to cede the Kingdom of Norway to the king of Sweden, by which the two nations would enter a union. However, this treaty was not accepted by the Norwegian people, who refused to be simply a bargaining chip.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1812: 1812 Milestone — As early as in 1812, prior to the Napoleonic invasion of Russia, the Swedish Crown Prince Charles John (Karl Johan) – formerly Marshal of France Jean Baptiste Bernadotte – had entered into an agreement with Tsar Alexander I that Russia would support a Swedish attack on Norway in order to force Denmark–Norway to cede its northern part to Sweden.
2. 1813: 1813 Milestone — On 18 May 1813, Swedish troops re-occupied Swedish Pomerania and deployed against Napoleon's forces as a result of treaties between Karl Johan (on behalf of Sweden), Great Britain and Prussia, which ceded Norway to Sweden for its participation in the war, becoming effective after France and its allies (including Denmark–Norway) were defeated.
3. 1814: 1814 Milestone — The Swedish–Norwegian War was a war fought between Sweden and Norway in the summer of 1814.
4. 2011: 2011 Milestone — The war marked the last time Sweden participated in an armed conflict with another nation until 2011, and its conclusion signalled the beginning of the country's long period of military neutrality.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Norwegian War of Independence

True or False: “Did the Treaty of Kiel immediately grant Norway full independence from Swedish influence?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The treaty forced Norway into a union with Sweden; Norwegian people strongly resisted this outcome.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Norwegian War of Independence