Editing University of Oslo (section)

===Early history===
[[File:Fiedrichvidenmark.jpg|thumb|right|King [[Frederick VI of Denmark]] and Norway was the founder of the university.]]
In 1811, a decision was made to establish the first university in the Dano-Norwegian Union, after an agreement was reached with King Frederik VI, who had earlier believed that such an institution might encourage political separatist tendencies. In 1813, The Royal Frederik's University was founded in [[Oslo|Christiania]] (now Oslo), a small city at that time. Circumstances then changed dramatically one year into the commencement{{clarify|reason=commencement in the context of a university often means the ceremony when students graduate|date=July 2016}} of the university, as Norway proclaimed independence. However, independence was somewhat restricted, as Norway was obliged to enter into a [[Union between Sweden and Norway|personal union with Sweden]] based on the outcome of the [[Swedish–Norwegian War|Swedish-Norwegian War of 1814]]. Norway retained its own constitution and independent state institutions, although royal power and foreign affairs were shared{{clarify|reason=sharing royal power, does that mean there was more than one royal person in charge?|date=July 2016}} with Sweden. At a time when Norwegians feared political domination by the Swedes, the new university became a key institution that contributed to Norwegian political and cultural independence.

The main initial function of The Royal Frederick University was to educate a new class of upper-echelon civil servants, as well as parliamentary representatives and government ministers. The university also became the centre for a survey of the country—a survey of culture, language, history and folk traditions. The staff of the university strove to undertake a wide range of tasks necessary for developing a modern society. Throughout the 1800s, the university's academic disciplines gradually became more specialised.

One of the major changes in the university came during the 1870s when a greater emphasis was placed upon research, the management of the university became more professional, academic subjects were reformed, and the forms of teaching evolved. [[Classics|Classical]] education came under increasing pressure.{{clarify|reason=what sort of pressure, to cease existence or to put through a greater number of students?|date=July 2016}}

When the union with Sweden was dissolved in 1905, the university became important for producing highly educated experts in a society which placed increasing emphasis on ensuring that all its citizens enjoy a life of dignity and security. Education, health services and public administration were among those fields that recruited personnel from the university's graduates.