The year 1814 was perhaps the most eventful in Norways history. At the beginning of the year the country was ruled by Denmark, an absolute monarchy under King Frederik VI. By the end of the year it was a constitutional monarchy in a union with Sweden. In the months between, Norway became an independent state, adopted its own constitution and chose its own king. Norway was forced to accept union with Sweden, but the Swedish king had to accept the Norwegian Constitution – a constitution that took precedence over the monarch.
After being defeated in the Napoleonic Wars Denmark was forced to cede Norway to Sweden. Norway refused to accept the treaty and declared independence.
A constituent assembly convened at Eidsvoll to draft a constitution for Norway. On 17 May 1814 the assembly then chose Prince Christian Frederik to be king.
Carl III Johan was a marshal of France. He became the King of Norway and Sweden in 1818. He played a key role when Denmark was forced to cede Norway to Sweden.
Christian Frederik was a prince of Denmark and Vice-Regent of Norway. He led the resistance against the Treaty of Kiel and for five months was king of an independent Norway.
