17 May 2007
Sons of Norway Eugene Oregon
I have truly appreciated the opportunity to give the 17 May talk these last few years in keeping with a long tradition of such talks in Norway. Each year I review what I learned earlier about the struggle of our ancestors for freedom and independence. I learn new lessons which help me appreciate my freedom, my heritage and which call me to action to help others in their struggles for freedom and independence.
Before 800-1000 AD inhabitants of the area we now call Norway lived in tribes and clans under the rule of mutually accepted laws and leaders determined at democratic meetings called "tings". During the period 800-1100 Ad power was consolidated to a King and the church through the participation and acquiescence of the people. The Kingdom of Norway was established and people lost much of their former freedom and participation in governance.
In the mid 1300's through intrigue and murder Norway came under control of the Danish crown and so began the 400 years of darkness. In 1814 the "Holy Alliance" (Russia, Austria, Prussia, and England) which had defeated France to stop the threat to monarchies and squelch the idea of liberty, equality and brotherhood determined to give Norway to the Swedish crown because Denmark had allied with France and Sweden had lost Finland to Russia.
Various groups in Norway began organizing to work towards Norway's independence. Norwegians were not pleased with the prospect of rule by Sweden. In Feb 1814 a "Store Man's Mote" or Big Man's Meeting of Officers, Wealthy Business men, Nobility and the man who would be king met to declare a Danish prince king.
Two learned men were also working on a constitution inspired by the US 1787 constitution and the French 1791 constitution.
In April 1814 112 elected representative from all over Norway met to adopt a constitution.
There were two main groups the unionists, who favored union with Sweden to preserve the status quo and avoid the threat of war, and the Independents who favored an independent self governing Norway.
Interestingly the unionists were the most libertarian and democratic thinking.
Some members were actually afraid to speak in public and others did little unless it was directly related to their own self interest.
There were however a number of dedicated individuals who believed their particular philosophy was best for all. Some favored rule by the nobility and people of wealth others believed in liberty and equality for all.
These men worked and fought hard during the six week convention for their beliefs putting their lives, fortune and status at risk.
In the end the most liberal constitution in the world was adopted and through skillful negotiation a full scale war with Sweden was avoided and Norway was allowed to operate under her new constitution with the Swedish King as head of state. The Norwegians had more rights and freedoms than the Swedes in that period.
In 1905 Norway finally gained full independence from Sweden and elected her own king from the Danish royal family.
Some people, such as Carsten Tank Anker who made Eidsvoll House available for the convention, lost status, position and property as a result of their work, beliefs and or the changes that came. It is a sad travesty that we often turn our backs on those who dedicate their lives to what they believe would make a better world.
I will begin this 17 May 2007 endeavor to remember and help those who try to represent and help me and hope you will be moved to the same.
Ed Gunderson