Norwegians vote to end the union with Sweden.

On **13 August 1905**, Norwegian voters overwhelmingly supported ending their country’s union with Sweden, an arrangement that had existed since 1814. Although Norway retained its own constitution, parliament and government during the union, the two countries shared a monarch and conducted foreign affairs under a common system. By the late 19th century, Norwegian nationalism had grown stronger, and disputes developed over Norway’s desire for greater control of its foreign policy, particularly its demand for an independent consular service. When King Oscar II refused to approve legislation establishing separate Norwegian consulates, the political crisis reached a breaking point. On 7 June 1905, the Norwegian parliament, the Storting, declared that the union with Sweden was dissolved. ([Stortinget][1])

Sweden did not immediately accept Norway’s unilateral action and demanded that the Norwegian people confirm the Storting’s decision in a referendum. The vote was held on **13 August 1905**, producing one of the most decisive referendum results in modern history. A total of **368,208 men voted in favour of dissolving the union, while only 184 voted against**. Women did not yet have the right to vote in Norwegian national elections, but they organised a major petition campaign in support of independence. Nearly a quarter of a million women signed petitions backing the dissolution, demonstrating that support for Norwegian independence extended well beyond the male electorate. ([Stortinget][2])

Despite fears that the dispute might lead to war, Norway and Sweden ultimately resolved the crisis through negotiation. Representatives of the two countries met at **Karlstad, Sweden**, where they reached an agreement on 23 September concerning the peaceful separation of the two kingdoms. On **26 October 1905**, Sweden formally recognised Norway’s independence, and King Oscar II gave up his claim to the Norwegian throne. The August referendum had therefore played a crucial role in demonstrating the overwhelming popular support behind Norway’s demand for independence. Later that year, Norwegians chose to retain a monarchy, and Danish Prince Carl became **King Haakon VII**, marking the beginning of Norway’s modern era as a fully independent state. ([Stortinget][1])

[1]: https://www.stortinget.no/no/Stortinget-og-demokratiet/Historikk/stortinget-og-unionen-med-sverige/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Stortinget og unionen med Sverige – stortinget.no”
[2]: https://www.stortinget.no/no/Stortinget-og-demokratiet/Historikk/Kvinnestemmerett/underskriftsaksjonen1905/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Underskriftsaksjonen i 1905 – stortinget.no”