Case One: Norway-Sweden—Unification, Union, Disunion, and the Legacy of the Peace of Kiel 1814–1905

The Treaty of Kiel (1814) marked a pivotal moment in Nordic history, initiating an era of peace and significant territorial and political changes in the region. It resulted in Denmark ceding Norway to Sweden, affecting the geopolitical landscape post-Napoleonic Wars. This chapter explores the complex aftermath, including Norway’s brief independence movement, the establishment of a union between Norway and Sweden, and the eventual peaceful dissolution of this union in 1905. It examines the roles of key figures, the impact of nationalistic sentiments, and the legal and diplomatic maneuvers that shaped this period. The narrative underscores the evolution of Norwegian self-determination and the foundation for Sweden’s policy of neutrality, culminating in Norway’s independence and the enduring peace and cooperation between Norway and Sweden.