When Did Norway Lose Greenland and the Great Plague’s Impact

The history of Norway's relationship with Greenland is a complex tapestry spanning centuries. From historical ties to periods of lost contact and eventual loss of sovereignty, this article explores the significant geopolitical events that led to the loss of this vast territory. This narrative is enriched by the impact of the Little Ice Age and the devastating impact of the Black Death on the region.

Historical Context and Early Ties

Historically, there were Norwegian bishops stationed in Greenland for a period of 200 years, from 1126 to 1326 CE. During this time, the Church had a significant presence in the region, contributing to the cultural and religious landscape of what is now known as Greenland. The relationship between Norway and Greenland was far more direct than it is today, with bishops playing a crucial role in maintaining and overseeing the region.

The Loss of Contact and the Little Ice Age

However, the relationship between Norway and Greenland began to strain as the Little Ice Age began to take hold in the early 14th century. This period of severe cold and reduced summer temperatures led to a significant impact on maritime travel and trade. Consequently, communication between Norway and Greenland was severely hampered, leading to the loss of contact.

Although the bishops in Greenland were thought to have died, they did not actually perish until 1347, just before the arrival of the Black Death. This preliminary freeze in communication set the stage for the loss of contact between the two regions for many decades afterward.

The Impact of the Black Death

The Black Death, one of the most devastating pandemics in human history, had a profound impact on Norway and its relationships abroad, including Greenland. The plague reached Norway in the late 14th century, decimating much of the population. This had ripple effects that extended beyond human life, impacting trade and communication. Furthermore, the Great Plague, which struck 20 years later, exacerbated the situation, making it even more challenging to maintain any semblance of regular communication.

The significant demographic changes resulting from the Black Death and the Great Plague created a climate in which the ability to maintain a regular connection to Greenland all but ceased. Historically, the export of walrus ivory was a vital trade link between the two regions, but this trade also became scarce, further diminishing Norway's influence over Greenland.

The Kalmar Union and the Lost Claim to Greenland

The political landscape of Scandinavia underwent significant changes in the 1400s. After the Black Death, there were fewer individuals with a legitimate claim to the Norwegian throne. One person who emerged to unite the Scandinavian kingdom was Margrete Valdemarsdaughter. She successfully united Denmark and Sweden in a personal union known as the Kalmar Union, which was established in 1397. As the union was formed, Sweden soon rebelled and eventually seceded, but Denmark-Norway remained in a union under a common regent.

However, it was the internal changes within the kingdom that truly affected Norway’s relationship with Greenland. The Denmark-Norway union was more centralized, and with the loss of the powerful Norwegian Riksr?d (the supreme council) in 1536, Norway became a much more centralized and subordinate part of the Danish kingdom. This event marked the end of Norway's influence over its distant colonies, including Greenland.

The Final Loss of Greenland

The year 1814 saw a significant geopolitical shift when, following the Napoleonic Wars, Norway was ceded to Sweden by Denmark. This act formalized the loss of control that had been developing due to the events of the Little Ice Age, the Black Death, and the erosion of Norway's authority over its colonies. While this marked an official transition, the loss had taken place several centuries earlier with the final no-biblical presence of the Norwegian bishop in 1378 and the cessation of trade and communication.

Thus, while the official transition of control over Greenland from Norway to Denmark can be pinpointed to the early 19th century, the gradual erosion of Norwegian influence began much earlier. The key dates to consider are 1536, when the centralized Danish kingdom significantly reduced Norway's sovereignty, and 1814, when Norway was forced to cede its independence and colonial territories to Sweden.

Conclusion

The loss of Greenland was a multi-faceted process that involved climate change, disease, political intrigue, and the shifting power dynamics of the Scandinavian kingdoms. Understanding this history provides valuable insights into the complexities of colonial relationships and the enduring impact of historical events on geopolitics.

Related Keywords

Norway Greenland Little Ice Age Kalmar Union

References

For further reading, consult the following sources:

“The Little Ice Age” by Brian Fagan “The Black Death and the Transformation of the West” by Norman F. Cantor “The Kalmar Union” by Peter> Peter Mansell