Following the Napoleonic Wars, Norway’s Constitution, which declared the country as a kingdom independent of Sweden was signed at what is now widely considered one of Norway’s most symbolic markers of national pride, the Eidsvoll Manor House, officially beginning its path to total independence.
The constitution was based on American and French models, and elected the Crown Prince of Denmark and Norway, Christian Frederick, as the king.
While full independence was not achieved until June 7th 1905, May 17th remains Norway’s National Day.
Celebrating the day was banned between 1820 and 1829 at the order of King Karl Johan of Sweden, while the two nations were united.
Celebrating the day gained popularity in 1833 when the writer Henrik Wergeland gave a public speech on Constitution Day honouring Norwegian heritage at the memorial service of the opposition minister Christian Krohg, who had died five years earlier.
The Norwegian parliament held the first May 17th celebration in 1836, and since then on May 17th has been regarded as the national day.