| | Norway
History
Vikings destroyed the coasts of northwest Europe from the 8th to the 11th century and were ruled by local chieftains.In the beginning of the 11th century KingOlaf II Haraldsson began converting the Norwegians to Christianity and soon, Norway had achieved the apex of its power.
In 1397, Norway was united under Danish control and that lasted more than four centuries until 1814 when it was united with Sweden. Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution. In 1905, the Norwegian parliament arranged a peaceful separation and invited a Danish prince to the Norwegian throne—King Haakon VII. A treaty with Sweden provided that all disputes be settled by arbitration and that no fortifications be erected on the common frontier.
During World War I, Norway joined with Sweden and Denmark in a decision to remain neutral and to cooperate in the joint interest of the three countries. In World War II, Norway was occupied for five years by Nazi Germany (1940-45). In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a member of NATO. |
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