The consular issue and the dissolution of the union
The consular issue that eventually led to the dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden reached its climax. The conflict had been building for years as Norway demanded its own consular service. Sweden threatened war if Norway carried through on its own, and the Norwegian army was not yet strong enough for an armed confrontation.

In February 1905 the Storting appointed a special committee. Its proposal for a separate Norwegian consular service was passed by both chambers in May. When Oscar II refused to sanction the law, the Norwegian government resigned and the council of state in Stockholm returned home. On 7 June 1905 the Storting declared that the union between Norway and Sweden was dissolved because King Oscar II had declared himself unable to form a government and had therefore ceased to function as King of Norway.