Historical Encyclopedia
The Russian period in the history of Finland began after the Russo-Swedish War of 1808-1809, when Finland came under the control of the Russian Empire. This period lasted for more than a century and became a time of profound political, economic, and cultural changes that played a key role in shaping modern Finnish identity and state structures. The Russian Empire granted Finland significant autonomy, allowing Finns to preserve their culture and develop national consciousness. However, the gradual attempts to integrate Finland into the Russian system provoked resistance and led to strained relations between Finns and the Russian Empire.
After Sweden's defeat in the war of 1808-1809, following the Treaty of Frederikshamn, Finland became part of the Russian Empire as an autonomous Grand Duchy. In 1809, Russian Emperor Alexander I granted Finland extensive rights, including the retention of Swedish laws, religious freedom, and special status. The Finnish Diet, convened in Borgå (Porvoo), affirmed loyalty to the new monarch, which strengthened Finland's autonomy within the empire.
Finland retained its parliament — the Diet — as well as its own administrative and judicial structures. Thus, Finland remained legally separate from the main part of the empire, while the Emperor of the Russian Empire held the title of Grand Duke of Finland. Thanks to this special status, Finnish culture, language, and public institutions had the opportunity to develop freely, which became the foundation for the formation of a future independent Finland.
Finland, as part of the Russian Empire, experienced substantial economic growth. The country actively developed its forestry industry, agriculture, and trade. In the mid-19th century, railway construction began, which contributed to the development of the transport network and strengthened the economy. The city of Helsinki, declared the capital of Finland in 1812, gradually transformed into an important economic and cultural center, with its population and infrastructure rapidly growing.
While Russia continued to support Finland's autonomous status, economic policy was aimed at developing industry and trade. The forestry industry became the main export sector of the economy, and Finland began exporting its products not only to Russia but also to Western Europe. Additionally, the first factories appeared in the country, stimulating the development of the working classes and urban population.
In the 19th century, a national revival began in Finland aimed at strengthening Finnish culture and language. Against the backdrop of growing interest in national identity, Finns became actively engaged in studying their history and traditions. This process was supported by scholars, writers, and politicians who sought to make the Finnish language and culture part of public life in the country.
One of the key events was the publication in 1835 of the epic "Kalevala" by Elias Lönnrot, who collected and recorded Finnish folk tales. This epic became a symbol of Finnish national spirit and had a significant influence on the development of Finnish literature and culture. By the end of the 19th century, the Finnish language received official status alongside Swedish, which was an important achievement of the national movement and reinforced Finland's cultural identity.
From the late 19th century, Russia began a policy of Russification aimed at integrating Finland into the imperial structure. This policy included attempts to unify legal and administrative norms, the introduction of the Russian language in government institutions, and restrictions on the activities of Finnish organizations. Special resistance was provoked by the 1899 decree known as the "February Manifesto," which limited Finland's autonomy and placed Finnish laws under the control of the central government in St. Petersburg.
These measures triggered a wave of discontent among Finns and intensified the national movement. In response to Russification, Finns began to actively resist, including protests, the publication of petitions, and the creation of secret organizations. The passive resistance movement attracted the attention of the global community, and many representatives of the Finnish intelligentsia openly expressed their opposition to Russification, supporting the preservation of autonomy.
The First Russian Revolution of 1905 led to a weakening of pressure on Finland, and some Russification measures were repealed. In 1906, a new electoral law was adopted, granting voting rights to all adult citizens of Finland, including women, making the Finnish parliament one of the first in the world to introduce universal suffrage.
However, full restoration of autonomy did not occur until after the February Revolution of 1917, which weakened Russia's control over Finland. During this time, Finnish political circles began to actively discuss independence. After the October Revolution in Russia and the Bolsheviks' rise to power, on December 6, 1917, the Finnish parliament proclaimed Finland's independence. This day became a symbol of the end of the Russian period and the beginning of a new chapter in the country's history.
The Russian period had a significant impact on the formation of Finnish society and state. On one hand, the granted autonomy allowed Finland to preserve its traditions and language, playing a key role in the formation of national consciousness. On the other hand, the attempts at Russification strengthened the desire for independence and laid the groundwork for future state building.
The experience of self-governance within the Russian Empire helped Finland create strong administrative structures, which became the foundation for a future independent state. By the time of the proclamation of independence, Finnish society was ready for self-determination and the creation of its own statehood. The political and social institutions formed during this period continued to exist in independent Finland.
The Russian period in the history of Finland is an era of deep transformations that affected all aspects of Finnish society. For over a century, Finland, despite political subjugation, managed to preserve its culture and create the foundations for future statehood. The Russian Empire, having granted Finland significant autonomy, influenced the formation of national identity and economic development.
The policy of Russification, which began at the end of the 19th century, led to the growth of the national movement, ultimately preparing Finnish society for the proclamation of independence in 1917. Thus, the Russian period became an important stage in the history of Finland, laying the groundwork for the further establishment and development of the country as an independent state.