Norwegian Constitution Day
Norwegian Constitution Day, celebrated on May 17, marks the adoption of Norway's constitution in 1814, a pivotal moment in the nation’s quest for independence. The backdrop of this celebration is rooted in the political turmoil of the Napoleonic Wars, during which Norway was part of a union with Denmark. Following the war's conclusion and subsequent shifts in power, Norway faced the prospect of annexation by Sweden, prompting a surge of nationalism among Norwegians. The assembly that convened on May 17 resulted in the creation of a constitution that established Norway as a limited monarchy with a system of government that included separate branches for executive, legislative, and judicial powers.
The constitution also enshrined civil liberties and human rights, reflecting liberal political ideals of the time. Although Norway entered a union with Sweden shortly after, the 1814 constitution remained a symbol of Norwegian identity and sovereignty. Today, the day is celebrated not only in Norway but also among Norwegian American communities, particularly in places like Stoughton, Wisconsin, emphasizing the cultural connection and pride in Norway’s history. This day serves as a reminder of the struggles and aspirations for independence that define Norway's national identity.
Norwegian Constitution Day
Norwegians, and Americans of Norwegian descent, observe May 17 as Norwegian Constitution Day.
The Norwegian Constitution was one of the many results of the political upheaval caused by the Napoleonic Wars in the nineteenth century. Prior to and during the wars, Norway was joined with Denmark in the Twin Kingdoms of Denmark and Norway. The ruler of the Twin Kingdoms, Frederick VI, resided in Denmark and considered himself primarily a Danish king. His policies reflected a disregard for Norway. During the wars, Frederick allied himself with Napoléon Bonaparte against Great Britain and Sweden. This alliance caused great hardships for Norway: its shipping was curtailed because of the British blockade of its coast, and Norway's long border with Sweden left it exposed to the constant possibility of invasion. Frederick's involvement with Napoléon threatened the existence of the Twin Kingdoms because the British, Russians, and Prussians agreed to allow Sweden to annex Norway after the French emperor's final defeat.
In October 1813, Napoléon was crushed at the battle of Leipzig, and within a few weeks the Swedes marched against Denmark to force the cession of Norway. The Swedes defeated the Danes in the region of Holstein, and on January 14, 1814, Frederick agreed to a peace. Denmark ceded Norway to Sweden.
News of the Treaty of Kiel reached the Norwegian capital of Christiania (now Oslo) on January 24, 1814. The citizenry was outraged by the idea of Norway's union with its longtime enemy Sweden, and Crown Prince Frederick Christian Augustus, a cousin of King Frederick who served as his commander in chief in Norway, was reluctant to abandon his hereditary claim to the Norwegian throne. Thus, the Norwegians and the crown prince joined forces to make Norway an independent nation. Although the crown prince initially planned to proclaim himself king of an independent Norway by virtue of his hereditary claim to the Norwegian throne, he met strong resistance to such an action. Many Norwegian leaders argued that after Frederick VI renounced his rule, sovereignty returned to the people of Norway. The crown prince accepted this reasoning, and called an assembly to write a constitution for the nation.
On May 17, 1814, the assembly completed its work, and on that same day the constitution was signed and Frederick Christian Augustus was chosen king. The new frame of government established a limited and hereditary monarchy and, like the US Constitution of 1787, it provided for a division of power among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. The king, together with a council of state or cabinet, was to exercise executive authority. Legislative power would rest with the National Assembly, or Storting. Judicial authority was to be the prerogative of the nation's courts of law. The 1814 constitution reflected liberal political thought; not only did it outline the form of the new national government, but it included guarantees of basic human and civil rights.
In theory, the Norwegian constitution established a “free, independent, indivisible and inalienable kingdom.” In practice, however, the nation did not have the strength to guarantee the existence of such a government. Sweden, on the other hand, did have a powerful army, and in July 1814 its troops invaded Norway to enforce the provisions of the Treaty of Kiel. The Swedes easily defeated their weaker neighbors, and after only a few weeks of fighting the Norwegians agreed to an armistice. After months of negotiations, Norway and Sweden agreed to the Act of Union in August 1815, in which Norway “voluntarily” entered into a union with Sweden. However, the act of 1815 recognized Norway's sovereignty.
The union of Norway and Sweden under one king lasted until a separation was effected in 1905. Although altered numerous times during the past two centuries, the constitution of 1814 is still Norway's basic frame of government and is revered as such by her citizens. For many years, Norwegians have set aside May 17 to commemorate its adoption. In the United States, Norwegian American communities often celebrate the event as well, such as the town of Stoughton, Wisconsin, which calls itself the Norse Capital of the United States (with some justification, since 80 percent of its population is of Norwegian descent).
Hansen, Johanna. "Norway National Day: Celebrating Independence on 17th May." Campervan Norway, 28 June 2023, www.campervannorway.com/blog/norway-culture/norway-national-day. Accessed 1 May 2024.
"17 May--Constitution Day." Oslo,www.oslo.kommune.no/english/welcome-to-oslo/norwegian-society/17-may-constitution-day/#gref. Accessed 1 May 2024.