Jonah Patel
Sweden and Norway have a long history of conflict and shifting alliances. The two countries were united under the same crown on several occasions, with Norway also being in a close union with Denmark for many years. During the Napoleonic Wars, Sweden and Denmark-Norway attempted to remain neutral, but ultimately, Denmark-Norway was forced into an alliance with France, while Sweden sided with the British. This led to Denmark-Norway declaring war on Sweden in 1808. In the 19th century, Sweden and Norway were officially united as the United Kingdoms of Sweden and Norway under a common monarch and foreign policy, but with separate constitutions, laws, and armed forces. This union was dissolved in 1905. In the board game Diplomacy, which is set in pre-World War I Europe, Norway and Sweden are separate provinces that can be occupied and attacked by players. A fleet in Sweden can move directly to Norway to attack or support an attack as the two provinces share a coastline.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can Norway attack Sweden? | Yes, Norway can attack Sweden. |
| Can Sweden attack Norway? | Yes, Sweden can attack Norway. |
| Relationship status | Norway and Sweden were in a union from 1814 until 1905. |
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What You'll Learn
- Sweden and Norway share a coastline, allowing for direct attacks
- Norway can be attacked by sea, but only through Denmark or St. Petersburg
- Norway and Sweden were historically united under a common foreign policy and monarch
- Norway and Sweden have a history of rivalry and conflict, with Sweden invading Norway multiple times
- Norway's independence from Sweden in 1905 may be a relevant historical context
Sweden and Norway share a coastline, allowing for direct attacks
In the game, each player represents one of the Great Powers of Europe: England, Germany, Russia, Turkey, Austria-Hungary, Italy or France. Each of these powers is vying to "gain control of Europe" by controlling 18 supply centres. The Scandinavian provinces consist of four supply centres: St. Petersburg, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, as well as one non-centre, Finland.
These five spaces form a distinct, separate, and easily-defended block of centres, control of which is essential to the victory of three players. St. Petersburg and Denmark are the only spaces that may be attacked by armies from the outside. A land attack must be channelled through one of these two provinces. However, St. Petersburg only borders two inland provinces, while Denmark only borders one. This means that fleets are essential to the capture of this area.
When a fleet is in a coastal province, the warships are assumed to be at any point along the coast of that province. The fleet may move to an adjacent coastal province only if it is adjacent along the coastline, so the vessels could move down the coast to that province. This means that a fleet in the Gulf of Bothnia could move into Sweden and then on to Norway.
In terms of gameplay, this means that an army convoyed to Norway, and then dropped to Finland is another way of getting into Sweden. If the Englishman can time this properly, he can force the Russians to support St. Petersburg in holding – and not cutting the Finnish support for F(Nwy)-Swe. A single fleet "inside" Scandinavia is of immense value to the Britons and a serious threat to the Russians.
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Norway can be attacked by sea, but only through Denmark or St. Petersburg
In the board game Diplomacy, Norway can be attacked by sea, but only through Denmark or St. Petersburg. The Scandinavian provinces consist of four supply centres: St. Petersburg, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, as well as one non-centre, Finland. These five spaces form a distinct, separate, and easily defended block of centres, which are essential for the victory of three players.
St. Petersburg and Denmark are the only two provinces that may be attacked by outside armies, and a land attack must be channelled through one of these two provinces. Denmark borders four sea spaces, while every land province borders at least one sea space. This means that fleets are essential to capturing this area.
In terms of strategy, one source suggests that a move to Sweden can be effective against either Russia or Germany. If Sweden is occupied by Russia, then German support from Denmark will be needed to take it. Germany can be convinced to agree to this exchange for Belgium, or something similar. With friendly German support, not only can Sweden be taken, but St. Petersburg can also be positioned to fall.
Another strategy suggests that support can be solicited from both Russia and Germany into Sweden, and then a decision can be made about which to hit. Russia should be happy to have the army out of Norway, especially if they are involved in the south. If the Russian fleet is dislodged, it can retreat to the Baltic Sea and help support you to Denmark, thus demilitarising Scandinavia for both sides.
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Norway and Sweden were historically united under a common foreign policy and monarch
Norway and Sweden were united under the rule of King Charles XIII of Sweden from 1814 until 1905. This union was established by the Treaty of Kiel, signed on January 14, 1814, which ended the previous union between Norway and Denmark.
Under the terms of the union, Norway retained a degree of independence, with its own constitution and separate government institutions. However, foreign policy was decided by the Swedish cabinet and conducted by the Swedish ministry of foreign affairs. The Swedish Riksdag could also indirectly influence foreign policy, while the Norwegian Storting could not. The union is often referred to as "Sweden and Norway", reflecting its status as a union of two sovereign kingdoms.
The foreign service was directly subordinate to the king, an arrangement that was already embodied in the Norwegian constitution of May 17, 1814, before the union. As a result, the union's foreign policy was decided in the Swedish cabinet, with the Swedish ministry of foreign affairs conducting its implementation. The Norwegian prime minister was the only representative of Norway who could plead Norway's case during cabinet meetings on foreign policy.
Over time, Norway gained more influence over foreign policy, and in the middle of the 19th century, the office of viceroy or governor was kept vacant or filled by Norwegians. Trade between the two countries also prospered during this period due to treaties that promoted free trade and abolished protective tariff walls.
Diplomatic relations between the United States and Norway were established in 1905, with the US recognizing Norway as a separate entity from Sweden.
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Norway and Sweden have a history of rivalry and conflict, with Sweden invading Norway multiple times
Norway and Sweden have shared a tumultuous history, with several wars and invasions marking their relationship. Sweden has invaded Norway multiple times, with a notable instance being the Swedish-Norwegian War of 1814, also known as the War of Cats or the Norwegian War of Independence. This conflict resulted in Norway being forced into a union with Sweden under Charles XIII, despite Norwegian resistance and their desire for independence.
The roots of this particular war can be traced back to the Treaty of Kiel, which stipulated that Norway would enter into a union with Sweden. However, the Norwegians refused to accept this treaty, leading to an insurrection. Despite mustering an army of 30,000 men, the Norwegian forces were no match for the Swedish Army, which consisted of 45,000 well-equipped and experienced soldiers. The Swedish Navy also possessed a significant advantage, with larger vessels and the ability to move and land troops effectively.
The Swedish-Norwegian War culminated in Norway's defeat and subsequent union with Sweden, albeit with Norway retaining its constitution and parliament. This marked the last time Sweden engaged in armed conflict with another nation, as the country then embarked on a prolonged period of military neutrality.
Prior to the 19th century, Sweden had invaded Norway on several occasions, including in 1567, 1644, 1658, and 1716. These invasions were often motivated by Sweden's attempts to break Norway's union with Denmark or to annex the country. The repeated wars and incursions fostered resentment among Norwegians towards Sweden.
In addition to historical conflicts, the two countries have also been portrayed as rivals in the board game Diplomacy. In the game's Scandinavian setting, players must navigate strategic decisions involving Norway, Sweden, and other nearby provinces. The complex dynamics of the game reflect the intricate relationships and potential alliances or conflicts between nations.
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Norway's independence from Sweden in 1905 may be a relevant historical context
Norway's independence from Sweden in 1905 is a significant historical event that can provide context for understanding diplomatic and strategic considerations in the region. This event marked the end of a four-century-long period of foreign influence in Norway, first under Denmark and then Sweden. The dissolution of the union between the two kingdoms was a complex process that involved political tensions, popular sentiment, and diplomatic negotiations.
The roots of Norway's push for independence can be traced back to the 1800s, with the governor-general conflict being a notable example. This conflict was resolved in 1873, but it left a lingering sense of discontent in Norway, as the king's right to nominate the government was seen as a threat to the country's autonomy. The Storting, Norway's parliament, played a pivotal role in the events leading up to 1905 by advocating for reforms and establishing Norway's own consular service, even in the face of threats of military action from Sweden.
In the early 1900s, Norway's Liberal and Conservative parties adopted strong positions in favour of independence and equality within the personal union. Christian Michelsen, a Norwegian shipping magnate, statesman, and future prime minister, formed a coalition government in 1905 with the sole objective of establishing a separate Norwegian corps of consuls. When the king refused to sanction this bill, the coalition government resigned, and the Storting declared the union with Sweden dissolved on June 7, 1905.
A plebiscite held in August 1905 confirmed overwhelming public support for Norway's independence, and negotiations between the two kingdoms in the Swedish town of Karlstad led to a peaceful resolution. These negotiations resulted in Sweden's recognition of Norway as an independent constitutional monarchy on October 26, 1905, with Oscar II abdicating the Norwegian throne. This outcome averted military conflict between the two nations, with Norway successfully achieving its long-sought independence.
Understanding this historical context can inform diplomatic strategies and alliances in the region. Norway's independence demonstrates the importance of popular sentiment, political will, and effective diplomacy in shaping international relations. It also highlights the complex dynamics between Scandinavian countries, where strategic moves and alliances can have significant implications. In the board game "Diplomacy," for example, players must navigate these dynamics and form alliances to secure control of supply centres in Scandinavia, including Norway and Sweden.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Norway can attack Sweden in the board game Diplomacy. The Scandinavian provinces consist of four supply centres: St. Petersburg, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, as well as one non-centre, Finland. These five spaces form a distinct, separate, and easily defendable block of centres.
One strategy is to first gain the support of both Russia and Germany, and then decide which to hit. If Russia has already occupied Sweden, you will need German support from Denmark to take it. If Sweden is unoccupied, you should be able to get Russian support.
Yes, Sweden can counterattack Norway as they share a coastline.
