There were no major historical events that happened this past Tuesday, June 7. It is, however, a very important day in Norwegian history. At least 3 huge events (that I´m aware of) occurred on this day.
In 1905, it was on June 7 that the Union with Sweden officially dissolved. This Union (Unionen mellom Norge og Sverige-the Union between Norway and Sverige) had existed since 1814 when King Frederick VI of Denmark decided to cede Norway to Sweden due to consequences of the Napoleonic War and more specifically in an effort to avoid the occupation of Jutland. You may remember that it was in 1814 that the Constitution was signed in Norway, making her officially independent. The terms of the Union were that the Swedish Cabinet was in control of foreign policy decisions. The only Norwegian who was allowed to be present for these matters of discussion was the Prime Minister. The Swedish Parliament could influence foreign policy, but not the Norwegian Parliament.
The flag of Sweden 1844-1905
After 91 years of Norway primarily making decisions for herself and acting as an independent country, developing very quickly, it was finally agreed by an overwhelming majority vote of 368,392 to 184 that Norway would be fully independent. June 7 is not a public holiday, but many Norwegians recognize this day as an important day in their country´s history. As you know, Norwegians love to say they are better than the Swedes and vise versa.
Norwegians also celebrate June 7 because not only was it this day in 1940 that the Norwegian King fled Norway for exile in London, but also the same day 5 years later that he returned to Norway after this 5-year exile. On April 9, 1940, the Germans invaded Norway for several reasons: to ensure control of the waters of the North Atlantic, to control iron ore coming from Swedish mines through the Norwegian city of Narvik, and to further reinforce the propaganda of Germanic empire. Norway was completely unprepared for the massive attacks they endured during the German invasion on April 9.
On June 7, 1940, King Haakon, the Crown Prince, and the government fled Norway through Tromsø to England where an exile government was established to aid the resistance efforts against German occupation. Radio broadcasting from the Norwegian government in London gave the Norwegian people hope that Norway would one day be independent again.
After 5 long years of German occupation, the King and his government were given a warm welcome back to Norway on June 7, 1945. King Haakon traveled all over Norway to see the damage the attacks and the occupation had had on his country and to determine the best methods of reconstruction. On his 75th birthday, he was surprised with a gift of a model yacht if the British ship the Philante. The Norwegian people had raised enough funds to purchase the yacht for him. It was under refurbishment until the following summer. What an awesome gift! King Haakon put many miles on this vessel, which he christened with the name the Norge. His final voyage on this ship was in 1955 to Møre in Romsdal in the western part of Norway.
June 7 is a very important day in Norwegian history!
