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Establishing First University
The Royal Frederick University (now University of Oslo) was opened in 1811 and became the first University in Norwegian State. Democracy relies a lot on people's ability to think critically, make their own decisions and take responsibility for their consequences. University education allowed people to broaden their minds and created new civil servants with better understanding of economy, law and politics. -
Signing First Constitution
Norwegian Constitution was signed by 112 representatives in Eidsvoll. It promoted freedom and rule of law, established constitutional monarchy, three governmental branches and Stortinget (Parliament). Civil servants, farmers who owned a land and urban proprietors were granted the right to vote. For Norway it was the first step towards independence, equality and democracy. One of the oldest Constitutions in Europe, it still remains in force nowadays, after being amended more then 27 times. -
Establishing Parliamentary Democracy
Since 1882 Norwegian Storting was trying to pass the law, which would oblige all members of the government to participate in Storting's debates. But each time Swedish King Oscar II simply vetoed it. Storting members disputed the government, as they did not want the wish of the foreign King to be more important then the wish of Norwegian citizens. Eventually King Oscar was forced to make a concession and in 1884 Norwegian constitutional democracy evoluted into parliamentary democracy. -
First Association for Women's Rights
Norwegian Association for women's rights was founded by 171 people and led by Mayor of Oslo Hagbart Berner and activist Gina Krog. At that time society percieved gender equality as something unnatural and undesirable. Many politicians considered it a threat to traditional family life and a way for women to loose their gender and identity. Association helped to prove the opposite and prepared society to future democratic changes. -
Suffrage for all Adult Men
In 1898 all adult men were given the right to vote. Prior to that only men with land or political power could have their voices heard. Meaning that other 50% of male population had no way of influencing governmental decisions. By providing all men with suffrage Norwey got one step closer to reaching main democratic goal - letting people express their opinions and control decision-making process. -
Referendum for Independence
In 1905 Storting declared the end of the Union with Sweden. On August 13 Norwegians held a referendum and the majority approved of Norway becoming independent. On October 26 Swedish King officially relinquished his claims to the Norwegian throne and Norway started a new life as a separate, independent country. These events united Norwegian people as a nation.They realized that they have the power to change their community and their lives, which was crucial for development of democratic society. -
Women Gain the Right to Vote
On June 11, All Norwegian women were granted the right to vote. All Storting members agreed with the necessity of this amendment and voted in favour of the proposal. Earning the suffrage allowed women to become full members of society and participate in political activities, therefore ensuring that their right and needs were taken in consideration by the government. This was a huge step towards promoting political equality and ensuring common good -elements necessary for true democracy. -
German Invasion
During World War II Norway wanted to remain neutral. But Germans considered Norway an important strategic spot and started invasion on April 9,1940. Norwegians fought bravely for more then two months but were forced to surrender on June 10. Royal family had to flee to Britain. Germans stayed in Norway until May 8, 1945. These 5 years of terror helped Norwegians to realize the importance of democracy (versus Hitler's autocracy) and freedom. -
Norway as part of the UN
Norway was one of the original 51 countries which formed the United Nations. This allowed to build closer bonds with other democratic countries. Nowadays, Norway spreads democratic ideals in the developing world by assisting UN programms in countries such as Guatemala, Malawi, Sudan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Mozambique and Pakistan. -
Moving Church away from State
New amendment in Norwegian constitution made Lutheran Church move further apart from the government. Before that half of the members in Storting were required to belong to Lutheran church and government could choose church bishops. Now the separation of Church from State started. New amendment proclaimed Norway to be the country with no official religion. This is an important step, since it encourages citizens to practice their own religion, thus promoting democratic tolerance and respect.
