A Swedish bayonet assault routed Norwegian defenders and broke King Christian Frederik's resolve, hastening the end of the 1814 Swedish-Norwegian War.
Key Facts
- Date
- 6 August 1814
- Swedish force size
- 2,000–3,000 troops
- Swedish commander
- Eberhard von Vegesack
- Norwegian commander
- Frederik Wilhelm Stabell
- Days until war ended
- 8 days after the battle
- War concluded by
- Convention of Moss
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Swedish–Norwegian War of 1814 arose from Norway's attempt to maintain independence after being ceded by Denmark to Sweden. Norwegian forces took up fortified defensive positions near the village of Rakkestad to resist the Swedish advance into Norwegian territory under General Eberhard von Vegesack.
On 6 August 1814, a Swedish force of 2,000–3,000 men attacked a slightly smaller Norwegian force commanded by Frederik Wilhelm Stabell. Swedish troops executed a disciplined bayonet assault on the Norwegian fortified positions, driving the defenders back and inflicting considerable casualties.
The defeat at Rakkestad severely damaged Norwegian morale and shook the resolve of King Christian Frederik. Eight days after the battle, the war ended with the Convention of Moss, effectively concluding Norway's short-lived military resistance to Swedish union.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Eberhard von Vegesack.
Side B
1 belligerent
Frederik Wilhelm Stabell.