Jonah Patel
The Norwegian Constitution was signed on 17 May 1814 at Eidsvoll Manor House by the Norwegian Constituent Assembly. The date is now celebrated as Norway's National Day and is a public holiday. The constitution was written during five weeks in the spring of 1814 and was ratified by the assembly on 16 May, the day before it was signed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 17 May 1814 |
| Location | Eidsvoll Manor House |
| National Importance | Norway's National Day |
| Assembly | 112 delegates |
| Inspiration | US Declaration of Independence, French Revolution, English Revolution |
| Amendments | Most recent in 2004; most substantial in 2014 |
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What You'll Learn
Eidsvoll building
The Norwegian Constitution was signed in the Eidsvoll building, officially known as the Eidsvoll Manor House. The building is one of Norway's most important national symbols as it is where the country's constitution was drawn up and signed in 1814. The Eidsvoll Manor House was a private home at the time, belonging to the owner of the Eidsvoll Ironworks. It is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture, inspired by the ideals of antiquity, and is unparalleled in Norway.
The Constituent Assembly, made up of 112 delegates, gathered at the Eidsvoll building from 10 April to 20 May 1814. The assembly declared Norway an independent nation, ending over 400 years of union with Denmark, and gave the country a constitution and elected a king. The constitution, dated 17 May 1814, is celebrated as Norway's National Day.
The Eidsvoll building is significant as the place where the Norwegian Constitution, the second oldest written constitution in the world still in existence, was established. The constitution was founded on the principles of popular sovereignty, participatory democracy, and individual rights. It is a cornerstone of Norwegian law, despite several amendments being made over the years to keep it relevant and up-to-date.
The Eidsvoll building continues to be an important site for Norwegians, serving as a reminder of their country's independence and rich history. The building is now part of the Norsk Folkemuseum foundation, preserving its architectural and historical significance for future generations.
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Ink and paper
The ink and paper used to sign the Norwegian Constitution were likely those available in Norway in the early 19th century. At that time, inks were typically made from a variety of materials, including iron salts, tannins, and dyes derived from plants or insects. As for paper, it was most commonly made from cellulose fibres, such as cotton or linen rags, although some lower-quality paper may have been made from wood pulp or other plant materials.
The process of making ink often involved boiling the chosen pigment in water with a binding agent such as gum arabic or gelatin to create a thick, dark liquid that could be applied with a pen or brush. Iron gall ink, which was commonly used in Europe during this period, was made by fermenting iron salts, tannins, and other substances, resulting in a durable and waterproof ink that could be used on various writing surfaces.
Paper production, on the other hand, typically involved a process of pulping, in which rags or plant materials were soaked and beaten to break them down into individual fibres. These fibres were then mixed with water to create a slurry, which was drained through a screen to form sheets of paper. The sheets were then pressed to remove excess water and dried, sometimes using a roller press or heated cylinders.
The specific type of ink and paper used to sign the Norwegian Constitution may have been chosen for their durability and archival properties, ensuring that the document would withstand the test of time. Additionally, the aesthetic qualities of the ink and paper may have been considered to create a visually impressive and solemn document.
The Norwegian Constitution, signed on May 17, 1814, is the second oldest written constitution still in existence. It was established after Norway gained independence from Denmark following the Napoleonic Wars. The constitution was written during five weeks in the spring of 1814 and was ratified and signed at Eidsvoll Manor House, now a symbol of Norway's independence and nationalism.
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Date of signing
The Norwegian Constitution was signed on 17 May 1814 by the Norwegian Constituent Assembly at Eidsvoll. The date is now celebrated as Norway's National Day.
The signing of the document came after it was ratified by the assembly on 16 May 1814. The assembly, made up of 112 delegates, had gathered at Eidsvoll Manor House on 10 April 1814. The constitution was written during five weeks of the spring of that year.
The date of 17 May is significant as it marks the establishment of the constitution and the declaration of Norway as an independent nation. The country had previously been in union with Denmark for more than 400 years. The Norwegian Constitution is the second oldest written constitution in the world that is still in existence. It is also the fourth oldest written single-document national constitution in Europe.
The document was inspired by the United States Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the French Revolution in 1789. It was based on the principles of popular sovereignty, participatory democracy, and individual rights. The ideas upon which the constitution was built were internationally well known and could also be found in other constitutions from around 1800.
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Who signed it?
The signing of the Norwegian Constitution took place on May 17, 1814, and it was a significant event in the country's history, establishing Norway as an independent nation. The constitution was signed by a group of prominent individuals who played a crucial role in the country's path towards independence and the creation of a democratic government.
So, who were the signatories of this important document? The constitution was signed by 52 delegates who represented the various regions and social classes of Norway. These men were part of the Constituent Assembly, also known as the Riksforsamlingen, which was convened in Eidsvoll to draft and adopt the constitution. The assembly was made up of individuals from different backgrounds, including farmers, merchants, and professionals, reflecting the desire for a representative government.
Among the signatories were notable figures such as Henrik Wergeland, a renowned poet and patriot who was an influential voice in the movement for independence. Wergeland is often remembered as the "Freedom Poet" of Norway and played a significant role in shaping the country's cultural identity. Another important signatory was Christian Magnus Falsen, a lawyer and statesman who was one of the main authors of the constitution. Falsen is often credited with drafting the initial version of the constitution and played a key role in the constitutional assembly.
Other signatories included prominent individuals like Johan Gunder Adler, a civil servant and politician who served as the Secretary of the Constitutional Committee, and Georg Sverdrup, a prominent educator and member of the assembly. The signatures of these men, along with the other delegates, can be found at the end of the original constitution document, symbolizing their agreement to the laws and principles laid out within it.
The signatures on the constitution represent the unity and collaboration of a diverse group of individuals who came together to shape the future of their nation. Their actions on that day in May continue to resonate, as the Norwegian Constitution remains the foundation of the country's governance and a source of national pride. The document and the signatures upon it serve as a reminder of the power of democracy and the enduring spirit of independence that characterizes Norway.
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Significance of location
Eidsvoll Manor House, where the Norwegian Constitution was signed, is one of Norway's most important national symbols. The building is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture, inspired by the ideals of antiquity, and is unparalleled in Norway. Today, it is a museum that encompasses the house itself, along with ancillary buildings, a park, and a Democracy Centre.
The location of Eidsvoll is significant as it was the place where the Constituent Assembly, made up of 112 delegates, gathered from April 10 to May 20, 1814. During this time, the Assembly declared Norway an independent nation, ending over 400 years of union with Denmark, and gave the country a constitution and a king. The constitution, which was written in just five weeks during the spring of 1814, was ratified by the assembly on May 16 and signed on May 17, now known as Norwegian Constitution Day.
The significance of Eidsvoll as the birthplace of the Norwegian Constitution is further emphasised by its role in the country's independence movement. Following the defeat of Napoleon's troops at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813, the Treaty of Kiel in January 1814 ceded Norway to Sweden. In response, the Crown Prince of Denmark-Norway, Christian Frederik, initiated a movement for Norwegian independence, with the likely goal of reunification with Denmark. Eidsvoll, as the site of the national assembly and the signing of the constitution, became intrinsically linked to this movement and the establishment of Norway as an independent nation.
The choice of a private home for the assembly and signing may also hold some significance. At the time, Eidsvoll Manor House was a private residence belonging to the owner of the Eidsvoll Ironworks. It provided a suitable space for the delegates to gather and conduct their deliberations, and its selection as the venue for such a pivotal moment in Norway's history has undoubtedly added to its importance and symbolic value.
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Frequently asked questions
The Norwegian Constitution was signed at Eidsvoll Manor House.
The Norwegian Constitution was signed on 17 May 1814.
The date is celebrated as Norway's National Day and is a symbol of the country's independence.
The Norwegian Constitution was founded on the principles of popular sovereignty, participatory democracy, and individual rights.
The Norwegian Constitution is the second oldest written constitution in the world that is still in existence.
