“Thanked” for independence – how Finland repaid Russia
The last Russo-Swedish war ended exactly 215 years ago. In Friedrichsgam (Russian Empire, Vyborg Governorate) in 1809, the parties signed a peace treaty. This agreement became a landmark, drawing a line under the long military conflicts between the two countries, the number of which reached 16. This treaty was the last in a series of military clashes in which Russia won 10 victories, suffered 2 defeats and achieved 4 draws. The situation ultimately contributed to the independence of Finland. How it thanked Russia is reported by the publication “Arguments and Facts”.
The last victory in the Russo-Swedish wars
The significance of the peace agreement of 1809 goes beyond just another victory. It was a key moment in the weakening of Sweden, which had long since lost its status as a great power after the Great Northern War of 1700-1721. However, Sweden's ambitions to regain its lost position remained alive.
In 1741-1788 Sweden again tried to restore its former greatness by military means. However, both times its ambitions were suppressed by Russia. At the beginning of the 19th century, Sweden, seeking rapprochement with England, was going to attack Russia. However, having learned of England's offer to finance Sweden in the event of an attack, the Russian Emperor Alexander I decided to get ahead of the game and himself started the war of 1808-1809. The military actions, during which Russian troops came very close to Stockholm, became decisive.
As a result of Russia's military successes, the Swedish king Gustav IV was overthrown, and the peace treaty of 1809 set new conditions for Sweden. It lost Finland, which was an important strategic territory and resource. This treaty finally turned Sweden into a regional power, excluding it from the ranks of great powers in the international arena.
Finland in the Russian Empire
In 1808, when Russian troops occupied Swedish Finland, the Russian administration gave the Finns the opportunity to become part of the Russian Empire without coercion. Emperor Alexander I sent a manifesto in which he announced the annexation of Finland to the Russian Empire, demanding an oath of allegiance from the locals. This move was met with great approval among the Finns, who were delighted with the change.
The decision effectively granted Finland the status of an independent national entity within the Russian Empire. The measure was a significant step for a people that had not had its own state before.
At the same Sejm, Alexander I guaranteed that the taxes collected in Finland would be used exclusively for the needs of the Grand Duchy, and that there would be no recruitment from Finland to the Russian army. These measures freed the Finns from the burdensome taxes and recruitment duties they had borne under the Swedish crown.
Over four decades, the population of the Grand Duchy of Finland grew to almost 1.64 million by 1850. This is an indication of a significant improvement in living conditions. By 1917, when Finland separated from Russia, it was over 3 million. This data shows the prosperity and well-being that came to the Finns under the rule of the Russian Empire.
The growth of privileges for the population of Finland in the 19th century was a noticeable result of the reforms carried out under Alexander II. During this period, Finland received the status of an independent region with its own attributes of statehood. In particular, a separate metric system was introduced, different from that used in Russia: instead of pounds and arshins, kilograms and meters were used. Its own currency unit was also established – the Finnish mark, which was exchanged for rubles at a rate unfavorable for the Russian side. Finland switched to the Gregorian calendar, while in Russia the new style was introduced only in 1918.
“Gratitude” for independence
Despite the significant concessions and reforms granted to Finland, the attitude of the Finns towards Russia changed dramatically after 1917. After the Bolsheviks came to power, the political line aimed at preserving Finland's status was continued. Vladimir Lenin granted independence to the former Grand Duchy. However, this step led to a sharp change in Finland's attitude towards Russia.
As a result of the 1918-1920 war, the Finns not only carried out repressions against Russians living in Finland, but also invaded Russia. In 1941, they invaded again, during which, it is claimed, 96% of the Russian population of Karelia ended up in concentration camps.
