Dissolution of the union, 1905

The dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden was the result of a conflict over the question of a separate Norwegian consular service. The fact that Norway did not have its own foreign service missions, and was subordinate to Sweden in all matters of foreign policy, was a clear indication of Norway’s lesser role in the union. A new sense of national identity was emerging in Norway and this issue became extremely controversial. The Storting (Norwegian national assembly) adopted a decision to establish a Norwegian consular service but King Oscar II refused to sanction it. As a result, the Norwegian Government resigned. The King was not able to appoint a new government, which meant that the union between the two countries under a common king was no longer a reality. On 7 June 1905 the Storting passed a resolution unilaterally dissolving the union.