The history of Norway

As we arrived in Norway, we were all exhausted. We had a wonderful time travelling through all countries, which have different cultures and histories. Now, we have arrived in Norway. I am already getting curious what we will learn about its history.

Compared to other countries we visited, Norway is considered to be a ‘young’ country. It was united with Denmark and also with Sweden for several centuries. It became independent in 1905. From then on, they could just their own king and start having elections. Norwegians today are strong, patriotic people who are very proud of their country and its achievements. We immediately noticed the patriotism when we talked to the people. They were happy to tell us some more about their country.

The first inhabitants of Norway, settled there about 10 000 years ago. At first, they survived by hunting and fishing but as time passed by they started having farms, keep livestock,… The first farms were created around 500 BC. The period was called the Bronze Age, since bronze was the metal used to create weapons, jewellery and tools.

After this age, a new age began, the Iron Age, which lasted until around 1000 AD. During this time, trade grew because of the better made tools. The most eventful age of Norway was the Viking Age. They built ocean-going ships and travelled across the world raiding countries for their treasures and resources. However, the Vikings settled abroad and became traders who set up communities in foreign lands.

In 1030, the lands of Norway were made into a kingdom and Christianity was introduced. In the 13th century, Norway became very powerful, it ruled over other countries such Iceland, Greenland, Shetland, the Faeroes,… This was called the Norwegian empire and ended when the plague wiped out more than half of the Norwegian population.

From 1380 until 1814 Norway was united with Denmark. When this union and the union with Sweden ended in 1905, Norway wrote its own national constitution. The first king of Norway was Haakon VII, he became the first ruler of an independent Norway.

During the Second World War, Norway was captured by the Germans. The king and his family fled to Britain, which was Norway’s ally. Now, Norway is a peace-loving nation and is a member of the UN and NATO. Norwegians believe negotiation is the way of settling conflicts which made them the ideal country to award the Nobel Peace Prize each year.

In the late sixties, enormous fields of oil and gas were discovered. This gave the Norwegian economy an extreme boost. Therefore, Norway has been voted for the last eight years to be the best country in the world to live in.

Sources:

http://www.samfunnskunnskap.no/?page_id=815&lang=en

http://www.localhistories.org/norway.html

http://www.norway.org.uk/studywork/Norway-For-Young-People/History/Historical-Figures/#.VUSuOvntmko

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Norway

http://www.factmonster.com/country/norway.html