Karlstad Treaty of 1905

The Karlstad Treaty of 1905 is a significant historical event that marked the peaceful dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden. This treaty ended nearly a century of political union between the two countries and is often cited as a model for peaceful conflict resolution in international diplomacy. The events surrounding the dissolution were peaceful, avoiding the violence that often accompanies such separations.

Background: The Union between Norway and Sweden (1814–1905)
The union between Norway and Sweden was formed in 1814, following the Napoleonic Wars. Sweden, having lost Finland to Russia in 1809, sought to gain territorial compensation and was granted control over Norway in the Treaty of Kiel in January 1814, following Denmark-Norway’s defeat in the wars. Norway, however, resisted being handed over and declared independence, adopting its own constitution on May 17, 1814.

After a brief conflict with Sweden, Norway entered into a personal union with Sweden later that year under the Convention of Moss. While Norway kept its constitution, the two countries shared a monarch (the Swedish king), foreign policy, and military responsibilities. However, Norway maintained considerable autonomy in its domestic affairs, and the relationship between the two countries was often characterized by tensions and demands for greater independence from the Norwegian side.

Rising Tensions and Push for Independence
Throughout the 19th century, many Norwegians were dissatisfied with the union. A key issue was the imbalance of power, as Sweden controlled the union’s foreign policy, and many Norwegians felt that their national interests were not adequately represented. Norway also had its own parliament (the Storting), constitution, and legal system, which contributed to a strong sense of national identity.

By the late 19th century, nationalist sentiments in Norway grew stronger, and calls for greater autonomy intensified. One of the main areas of contention was Norway’s desire for its own consular service, independent of Swedish control. Sweden opposed this move, fearing it would weaken the union.

The tipping point came in the early 1900s, when the Norwegian government made a final push for establishing separate consulates. In 1905, the Storting passed a bill to establish its own consular service, but Sweden’s King Oscar II vetoed the proposal. In response, the entire Norwegian government resigned, and when the king refused to appoint a new government, the Storting declared the union dissolved on June 7, 1905.

Negotiations Leading to the Karlstad Treaty
The dissolution of the union created a diplomatic crisis, and there was a brief fear of military conflict. Both Norway and Sweden began mobilizing their armies, but cooler heads prevailed, and both countries agreed to enter into negotiations to resolve the situation peacefully.

Negotiations took place in Karlstad, Sweden, from August 31 to September 23, 1905. The discussions were conducted in a tense but diplomatic atmosphere, with both sides committed to avoiding violence. Norway was represented by its Prime Minister Christian Michelsen, while Sweden’s delegation was led by Prime Minister Johan Ramstedt. King Oscar II did not attend the negotiations but had to approve the terms.

Terms of the Karlstad Treaty
The Karlstad Treaty, signed on September 23, 1905, laid out the terms for the peaceful dissolution of the union. Some of the key points of the treaty include:

Dissolution of the Union: Sweden recognized the dissolution of the union and agreed to the Storting’s decision to end the personal union with Sweden. Norway was allowed to function as a fully independent and sovereign state.

Demilitarization of the Border: One of the major points of negotiation was the demilitarization of the border between Norway and Sweden. Both sides agreed to remove fortifications along the border, particularly near Kongsvinger in Norway and Eda in Sweden, to reduce the risk of future conflicts.

Arbitration of Disputes: The treaty established mechanisms for settling any disputes between the two countries through arbitration, ensuring that diplomatic means would be used to resolve future disagreements.

Trade and Other Agreements: The treaty included provisions for the continued free movement of people and goods between the two countries and maintained trade relations that had existed under the union.

Norwegian Monarchy: Although Norway became an independent kingdom, the issue of monarchy was resolved peacefully. Norway sought and eventually invited Prince Carl of Denmark to become its new king. He accepted and ascended the throne as King Haakon VII on November 25, 1905.

Aftermath and Significance
The Karlstad Treaty was a successful resolution to a potentially volatile situation. On October 26, 1905, King Oscar II formally renounced his claim to the Norwegian throne, and the union between Norway and Sweden officially came to an end. Norway became fully independent, and both countries maintained peaceful and cooperative relations afterward.

This peaceful dissolution of the union set a positive example for resolving political conflicts through negotiation and diplomacy rather than violence. The Karlstad Treaty remains a model of how nations can resolve their differences without resorting to war. Norway and Sweden continued to have amicable relations after the dissolution, and both nations remain close allies to this day.

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