Through genealogy work and reading the novels of Bojer, Undset and Hamsun, I’ve acquired a fair understanding of farming, fishing and ecclesiastical life in 19th century Norway but only a more vague awareness of the milestones of recent Norwegian history – 1814, 1905, 1940, etc. But I sought more, and this new book by historians Fasting and Sørensen has filled many gaps in my understanding.
Those looking to Norway for inspiration from its strong economy and apparent cohesiveness will gain valuable insights from this book. The authors set out to explain how this small nation – just below Minnesota and the city-state of Singapore in population and once the poorest of the three major Scandinavian countries – achieved the enviable status it has today.
Interestingly, the book’s title ends with a question mark. Perhaps this is the inclination of historians to remind us that history has its cycles, from which Norway is not exempt.
The book’s scope is the 200+ years of modern history from 1814, with the end of Danish rule. In January 1814, Denmark signed a treaty transferring Norway to Sweden among other concessions. This triggered an interesting and complex political process in the months following the treaty. An elected assembly was convened at Eidsvoll by the then Regent of Norway, out of which emerged a constitution on the 17th of May, now celebrated as Americans do the 4th of July.
Coincident with full independence in 1905, Norway began to exploit its huge hydroelectric capabilities. The same mountainous terrain that provided Norway little arable land also gave it hydroelectric energy, enabling economic growth and human conveniences. Then there is the discovery of offshore oil and gas in 1969, resources that have underwritten not only the cost of current public services but also, through its sovereign wealth fund, a “rainy day account.”
Its challenges have included making the new parliamentary democracy more representative, sometimes having to deal with small political parties on the extremes. No doubt the greatest challenge was the five-year period of German occupation from 1940-45, with a collaborative puppet regime led by the domestic fascist, Vidkun Qvisling. The movement toward a more unified Europe presented Norway with the challenge of how to respond.
So, is there a “Norwegian Exception?” The authors task us to answer that question with their informed and thoughtful review of the last 200 years of Norwegian history. My conclusion is consistent with the old saying that, “people make their own luck.” Nations do that also.
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