Frederick William of Hesse vs Haakon VII of Norway

Frederick William succeeded his father William II as the last Elector of Hesse-Kassel. He inherited a state deeply divided between conservative monarchists and liberal reformers, with tensions rising across Germany.

During the 1848 revolutions, Frederick William initially conceded to some demands, but later used Austrian and Prussian troops to suppress the uprising. He restored absolute rule, reversing all liberal reforms.

During the Austro-Prussian War, Frederick William sided with Austria. After Prussia's victory, Hesse-Kassel was annexed by Prussia. Frederick William was deposed and went into exile, ending the Hesse-Kassel monarchy.

Following the dissolution of the union with Sweden, the Norwegian parliament elected Prince Carl of Denmark as King Haakon VII. He accepted the throne after a referendum confirmed the monarchy. This established the modern, independent Kingdom of Norway with a constitutional monarch.

After the German invasion of Norway, Nazi Germany demanded that Haakon VII appoint Vidkun Quisling as prime minister. Haakon VII refused, stating he would abdicate rather than accept a government led by Quisling. This act of defiance made him a symbol of Norwegian resistance.

Haakon VII fled Norway after the German invasion and established a government-in-exile in London. He became a central figure in the Allied war effort, broadcasting radio messages to occupied Norway and maintaining the legitimacy of the Norwegian state throughout World War II.

Haakon VII returned to Norway on June 7, 1945, exactly five years after he had fled. His return was a moment of national celebration and unity. He was greeted by massive crowds, symbolizing the restoration of Norwegian sovereignty and the end of the Nazi occupation.