Differences in land tenure systems and patterns are usually understood best by studying the history and politics of the place. One study, carried out in 1980, looked specifically at the Norwegian and Danish situation. In the 1814 Norwegian Constituional Assembly, farmers negociated the 'peasant clause' which gave them substantial political power. Farmers, who were politically enfranchised and powerful, were well prepared for the economic crisis which hit Norwegian agriculture in the 1870s. In 1825 legislation was enacted which ensured a favourable banking regime for agriculture.
Norwegian farmers continue to enjoy political power and support.
From the late 18th century landowners themselves launched reform movements in Dennmark. About 800 estates covered three quarters of the country at this time. Landowners were short of capital and the more progressive concluded that an independent peasantry on owner-occupied holdings was the surest way of improving agricultural productivity. English farming was studied but the model of large landowners and small dependent tenants was rejected in favour of measures to create an independent farming community. That the Danish landowners not only supported reforms but took an active part in their implementation may seem surprising.