Independence of Finland

Finland declared its independence on 6 December 1917. The formal declaration of Independence was only part of the long process leading to independence of Finland.

Subject of independent Finland was first mentioned in the 18th century, when present-day Finland was still ruled by Sweden. Following the Russian occupation in the Russo-Swedish War (1741–1743) the Elizabeth of Russia made vague promises of making the country independent. This led to preparations to create a Kingdom of Finland in 1742. Finns elected the then Duke Peter of Holstein-Gottorp (who later became heir to the throne of Russia and tsar as Peter III) as the King of Finland. However, the political situation had outgrown the idea of Finnish independence and it quickly evaporated.

Before a nation declares independence, it must develop a national identity and certain institutions. Governing bodies for Finland were developed after 1809, when it was “elevated as a nation among nations” (as declared by tsar Alexander I) by becoming an autonomous grand duchy under the Russian tsar. The Diet of Finland was meeting regularly since 1863. In 1906 the unicameral Parliament of Finland was created, with universal and equal suffrage.

National identity grew at same time with Pan-European nationalism. Johan Ludvig Runeberg and Elias Lönnrot created an idealized image of Finnish people and Finnish nature in the 1830s and 1840s. Also J. V. Snellman was a central person in national romanticism and the modern nationality debate. He encouraged use of Finnish language (instead of Swedish) among the educated classes.

In 1901 Russia tried to alter the nature of the Finnish army with the new conscription law, which demanded Finns not only to defend Finland but to fight for Russia on any front. Finnish resistance grew into a mass movement, an only half of eglible men reported for duty.

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Wikipedia