Lines of Power: The Eighteenth-Century Struggle Over the Norwegian–Swedish Border in Central Scandinavia

Abstract

ABSTRACT The final position of the Norwegian–Swedish border was determined in 1751, after challenging negotiations. This paper focuses on central parts of Scandinavia and investigates the role of cartography in the border positioning process. The examination of a wide variety of historical maps before and after the border treaty provides insight into the differing opinions on the border region's shifting affiliation. Other factors that helped to shape the borderline were a turbulent political situation with shifting sovereignty over the area in question, as well as conflicts over valuable resources. The findings indicate that cartographic evidence had an important role in the position of the Norwegian–Swedish border in central Scandinavia. The paper adds to our understanding of maps as a political tool as well as of the role of resources in border processes, and provides new knowledge on how cartography influenced a national border between two countries fighting for land, resources and hegemony.