ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Norwegian independence movement

Okay, let's imagine you and your friend have a toy that you both like to play with together. But sometimes you both don't agree on how to play with it or who gets to decide what to do. So, one day, your friend says that they want to have their own toy and make their own decisions about how to play with it.

Now, let's apply this idea to Norway. A long time ago, Norway was part of a bigger country called Denmark. Just like you and your friend, the people of Norway sometimes didn't agree with the people in Denmark on what they should do or how they should run their country.

So, the people of Norway started thinking about having their own country and being independent. They wanted to make their own decisions and have control over their own land and resources. It's a bit like when your friend wanted their own toy to play with.

In 1814, Norway got a chance to become independent when Denmark was in a bit of trouble. Some important people in Norway came together and wrote a new constitution, which is like a set of rules for how a country should be run. They wanted Norway to be a separate country, not a part of Denmark anymore.

But, unfortunately, their plan didn't work out the way they wanted. Instead of becoming fully independent, Norway ended up in a union with Sweden. It's like if you and your friend decided to share the toy instead of each having your own.

Even though Norway was in a union with Sweden, the people of Norway still wanted to be fully independent and have their own country, just like your friend wanted their own toy. They wanted to make their own rules, have their own government, and make decisions on their own.

In the early 1900s, things started changing. The people of Norway became more and more confident in their ability to run their own country. They also felt a strong sense of national pride, meaning they were proud to be Norwegians and wanted their country to be recognized as independent.

Finally, in 1905, Norway succeeded in becoming fully independent from Sweden. They had their own king, their own government, and could make decisions for themselves. It's like when your friend finally got their own toy and could play with it however they wanted.

Ever since then, Norway has been an independent country and has made significant progress in various fields, such as being one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

So, in summary, the Norwegian independence movement was about the people of Norway wanting to be separate from Denmark first, and then later, Sweden, so that they could have their own country and make their own decisions. And after many years of trying, they finally succeeded in becoming fully independent, just like your friend getting their own toy.