Norway

On June 7, 1905, the Union between Sweden and Norway was peacefully dissolved, marking Norway's independence as a sovereign nation. This event was the result of a long-standing political struggle within Norway to assert its national identity and autonomy. The dissolution of the union came after a conflict over the establishment of a separate Norwegian consular service, which Sweden opposed. The peaceful resolution involved negotiations and an eventual agreement that Norway would become an independent nation, leading to the ascension of King Haakon VII and the establishment of Norway as a constitutional monarchy.

On April 9, 1940, German forces launched an invasion of Norway during World War II as part of Operation Weserübung. The strategic goal was to secure iron ore shipments from Sweden, which passed through Norwegian waters, and to establish bases for naval and air operations. Norway's coast was vital for controlling access to the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Despite Norwegian resistance and some initial British efforts to aid Norway, the country was quickly overwhelmed by German military superiority. Norway remained under German occupation until the end of the war in 1945.

On April 4, 1949, Norway became a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), joining an alliance aimed at ensuring collective defense and security in the aftermath of World War II. Norway's accession to NATO was motivated by security concerns, particularly regarding the Soviet Union during the early Cold War period. Membership in NATO aligned Norway with Western nations in terms of defense, while also ensuring the presence of NATO military forces in Norwegian territory for deterrence against potential aggression. This has been a cornerstone of Norwegian foreign policy since.

On May 4, 1960, Norway became a founding member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which was established to promote free trade and economic integration among its member states. EFTA was created by countries that were not part of the European Economic Community (EEC), now the European Union (EU), aiming to reduce tariffs and foster economic cooperation. Norway's participation in EFTA reflected its desire to strengthen its economic ties with other European nations while maintaining independence from the political aspects of the EEC. Norway has since navigated its relationship with the EU through its EFTA membership.

On December 23, 1969, the oil field known as Ekofisk was discovered in the North Sea, marking the beginning of Norway's transformation into a major petroleum-exporting nation. This discovery was pivotal for the Norwegian economy, providing substantial revenue and significantly altering the country's economic landscape. The exploration and subsequent oil production were carried out by Phillips Petroleum Company, and it marked the start of the oil era in Norway. The profits from oil have since been managed by the Norwegian government to ensure long-term benefits, contributing to the establishment of the Government Pension Fund Global.

On September 25, 1972, Norway held a referendum to decide whether to join the European Economic Community (EEC). The result was a rejection, with 53.5% voting against membership. This vote echoed concerns over loss of sovereignty, control over natural resources, and preserving Norway's distinct cultural identity. The debate was highly polarized, with significant economic and political implications. The rejection of EEC membership led Norway to strengthen its role in EFTA and later seek different forms of association with the EU, maintaining cooperation while staying outside the EU as a full member.

On February 12, 1994, the Winter Olympic Games opened in the Norwegian town of Lillehammer. Known for its heavy snowfalls and beautiful landscapes, Lillehammer provided a picturesque setting for the games, which concluded on February 27, 1994. The event was widely praised for its organization, spirit, and the enthusiasm of its volunteers. It featured 67 nations participating in 61 events, with Norway finishing second in the medal standings with 26 medals, behind Russia. The Lillehammer games were seen as a great success and left a lasting legacy in Norway, boosting tourism and local culture.

On November 28, 1994, Norway held a referendum to decide whether to join the European Union (EU). This was the second time such a referendum took place, and like in 1972, the Norwegian population voted against joining, with 52.2% voting 'no'. The vote largely reflected concerns over national sovereignty, fisheries control, and cultural identity. Despite not being a member, Norway continued to engage with the EU through the European Economic Area (EEA) agreement, which allows for access to the EU's internal market while remaining outside the political structures of the EU itself.

On October 9, 2009, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced that the Nobel Peace Prize would be awarded to U.S. President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. While the announcement was initially met with surprise globally, it highlighted the committee's recognition of Obama's vision and dedication to multilateral diplomacy and engagement on issues such as nuclear disarmament. The decision underscored the prestigious and sometimes contentious role Norway plays through the Nobel Peace Prize, awarded annually in Oslo.

On July 22, 2011, Norway experienced its deadliest attacks since World War II. A far-right extremist, Anders Behring Breivik, carried out a bombing near the government headquarters in Oslo and a mass shooting at a Workers' Youth League camp on the island of Utøya, resulting in a total of 77 deaths. The attacks shocked the Norwegian nation and the world. The incident raised questions about domestic terrorism, security, and immigration policies in Norway. The subsequent trial and conviction of Breivik highlighted issues related to extremist violence and the resilience of Norwegian democratic values.