It is the reasons of the dissolution, in 1905, of the Swedish-Norwegian union that are analyzed in the article, as well as the factors which allowed Norway to peacefully obtain state independence. The author demonstrates that the “divorce” of the union partners was determined by serious distinctions in the level of economic development and — above all — in the political structure of the two countries. Having made Norway “democracy preserve”, Sweden thus from the very beginning laid the foundation of future conflicts. At the same time, according to the author’s conclusion, it was none other but Sweden’s well adjusted position that allowed to realize this “divorce” peacefully, for Sweden decided on juridical solution of political and legal collisions, which opened for both states new possibilities for development.