Kalmar, Union of, united the medieval kingdoms of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden under one monarch, while preserving each country’s separate laws, customs, and administrative council. The union lasted, with some interruptions, from 1397 to 1523, according to most experts. It helped keep peace between its members, especially through the early 1400’s. It also helped preserve the independence of the Scandinavian kingdoms at a time of growing German power in the Baltic region.
Between 1376 and 1388, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden all came under the control of Queen Margaret, who ruled them until 1412. In 1397, leaders from the three kingdoms met in Kalmar, Sweden, and drafted terms for a permanent union. The three kingdoms were supposed to maintain separate laws and administrations but share the same monarch and defend one another in war. Although the agreement was probably not formally ratified, it served as a basis for government while the union lasted. Neither the union nor the agreement was ever given an official name. But both have become known as the Union of Kalmar.
Denmark, Norway, and Sweden were accorded equal status by the agreement. But the union’s monarchs tended to favor Denmark, which was the most powerful of the kingdoms. Denmark also had a tradition of strong kings that came into conflict with Sweden’s tradition of a powerful nobility. Beginning in 1434, the Swedes often rebelled or set up separate rulers. Sweden broke away in 1523, and the union ended.
Norway had grown weaker during the 1400’s. In 1536, Denmark declared Norway a Danish province. Denmark was forced to turn Norway over to Sweden in 1814. Norway finally became independent in 1905.
See also Christian II; Erik of Pomerania; Gustav I Vasa.
