9/23/2008:
From statehood Norwegian immigrants made up a high percentage of North Dakota’s population; and a strong Norwegian-American voice could be heard across the state. Never was this more apparent than in 1905, when after 600 years Norway became an independent nation.
Since 1814 Norway and Sweden had been united under one king. Norway retained a good deal of independence in the union, having its own constitution and government bodies. However, the monarchy and foreign affairs were nonetheless controlled by Sweden. When interests in foreign policy began to diverge, tensions arose between Norway and Sweden. When Norway declared independence in June of 1905, without request from Sweden, there was anticipation of war.
Word of the event hit the newspapers across the United States. North Dakota’s The Esmond Bee announced Norway’s declaration. Events were closely watched in North Dakota as articles from abroad appeared daily. At that time 62 newspapers were still written in Norwegian.
In the summer of 1905 many North Dakotans, whether Norwegian or not, gathered to show support for Norway. In Devil’s Lake 2,000 individuals came togther in July. The auditorium was packed to capacity while 600 more stood outside the on the grass to participate. Norwegian flags were flown, Norwegian entertainers amused, and petitions endorsing Norway’s independence were circulated. Of the many statewide petitions affirming Norway’s decision, one boasted 4,450 signatures, stating, “To President Roosevelt from the Citizens of North Dakota.” This was in hopes that the United States’ powerful political voice could help legitimize Norway’s declaration of independence.
Nevertheless diplomatic affairs with Sweden as well as Norway were important to the US, and no action was taken in the conflict. However, the unlikely war never materialized and the situation ended peacefully. In August negotiations for the dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden began at the Karlstad Convention. By September, on this day in 1905, the terms for dissolution were concluded.
To this day a healthy rivalry remains between neighboring Sweden and Norway. This is apparent in the many good-humored jokes between the two nations:
Q: What is the difference between Swedes and Norwegians?
A: The Swedes have nice neighbors!
The Esmond Bee, September 30, 1905
“Plains Folk: A North Dakota Ethnic History” editors William C. Sherman, Playford V. Thorson