History of Norway: A Captivating Guide to Norwegian History

More about the book

Did you know that the Vikings from Norway were the first to inhabit Greenland, settle in Iceland and the Faroes Islands, and found the first true cities of Ireland? Although they significantly influenced Norway's history, their era was brief. Early on, Norway was not a defined country but rather part of a larger Scandinavian region, deeply intertwined with its neighbors. This unique country, located on Europe's fringes, faced a challenging lifestyle due to scarce arable land, vast distances from fjords and mountains, and harsh winters. Norway often became a target for stronger kingdoms, particularly Denmark and Sweden. From the 16th to 19th centuries, it was part of unions with these nations, neither of which was chosen by the Norwegians. Despite this, a distinctive Norwegian identity emerged, fueling the desire for independence. Explore the origins of the first Norwegians, the lifestyle of early Bronze Age societies, the late arrival of the Iron Age, and the true nature of the Vikings. Learn about the Old Norse religion's transition to Christianity, the prevalence of petty kingdoms, and how Denmark came to rule Norway. Discover the path to independence through a union with Sweden, Norway's neutrality in World War I, and its involvement in World War II. Finally, see how the country rebuilt itself and established a renowned welfare system after discovering oil. Click the “add to cart” button to delve deeper into Norway's rich