Nicolai Wergeland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nicolai Wergeland
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| Born | 9 November 1780 Hosanger, Norway
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| Died | 25 March 1848 (aged 67) |
| Occupation | Minister, writer and politician |
| Known for | Member of the Norwegian Constituent Assembly in 1814 |
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Nicolai Wergeland (born November 9, 1780 – died March 25, 1848) was an important Norwegian minister, writer, and politician. He is best known for being a member of the group that wrote Norway's Constitution. This happened at the Norwegian Constituent Assembly in Eidsvoll on May 17, 1814.
Wergeland was chosen as one of two representatives from Kristiansand for the Eidsvoll Assembly. He was very prepared and even brought his own draft for the new constitution. He believed Norway should have a strong connection with Sweden, rather than Denmark.
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Family Life and Famous Children
Nicolai Wergeland's family came from a place called Brekke in Sogn, Norway. His father, Halvor Lassesen, worked as a teacher and church clerk.
Wergeland had several children who became well-known.
His daughter, Camilla Collett, is considered Norway's first feminist writer. She wrote a famous novel called Amtmandens døttre (The Governor's Daughters).
His son, Henrik Wergeland, is often called Norway's national poet. He became a symbol of Norway's independence. Another son, Oscar Wergeland, became a military officer. Wergeland's nephew, Harald Nicolai Storm Wergeland, also grew up with the family.
Nicolai Wergeland's Career
Wergeland studied theology in Copenhagen. He did not come from a rich family, so he faced financial challenges. In 1803, he earned his theology degree. He worked as a curate (a type of assistant minister) in Kristiansand starting in 1812. Later, he became a vicar in Eidsvoll in 1816 and a rural dean there in 1822.
Winning a University Contest
In 1811, Wergeland became well-known for winning a contest. The Royal Norwegian Society for Development held the contest. He wrote the best argument for creating a separate Norwegian university in Christiania (now Oslo). His winning essay was called Mnemosyne.
Role in the Eidsvoll Assembly
In 1814, Wergeland was elected to the Eidsvoll Assembly. This was the special meeting where Norway's Constitution was written. He was a member of the committee that drafted the constitution.
He spoke often and gave long, well-prepared speeches during the meetings. He wanted Norway to have a closer relationship with Sweden. This view was not popular with everyone at the assembly.
During the creation of the Norwegian Constitution, Wergeland helped write a specific rule. This rule, known as the "Jew clause," prevented Jewish people from entering Norway at that time.
Later Life and Interests
Throughout his life, Wergeland was very active in political and cultural discussions. He published several books and articles. He also enjoyed drawing, painting, and composing music.
Nicolai Wergeland passed away in Eidsvoll on March 25, 1848.
