A Brief History of Finland
A Brief History of Finland
When looking through the main events in Finnish history, broadly speaking, it can be divided into three chapters: the Swedish period prior to 1809, the Russian period from 1809 to 1917, and the independent period from 1917 to the present day.
Finland was part of the Swedish Empire from 1150 to 1809. As we are focusing on the main events in Finnish history, we are going to begin from the 17th century. During the 17th century, while Finland was under Swedish Rule, it started to develop significantly. Between 1637–1640 and 1648–1654 Count Per Brahe functioned as general governor of Finland. During this time many towns were founded and many laws were reformed. In 1640, Finland’s first University was founded in Turku. It was called the Academy of Abo. Count Per Brahe’s period of administration is generally considered very beneficial to the development of Finland. Despite the progress made during this time, the 17th century is generally considered as a gloomy time for the Fins. High taxation, continuing wars such as the northern wars, and the cold climate made it very difficult for the Fins. During the final years of the 17th century, a devastating famine caused by climate struck Finland, massacring 30% of the Finnish population.
The 18th century didn’t start off any better for Finnish people, with the great northern war (1700-1721) taking place and shaping Finland’s future significantly. During the Great Northern War, Finland was occupied by the Russians and the southeastern part, was seized by Russia after the Treaty of Nystad. During this war, Sweden's status as a European great power was lost, and Russia was now the leading power in the North. Throughout the 18th century Finland was partly controlled by Russia and partly by Sweden and was subjected to a tug of war between the two countries.
The next significant event in Finland’s history was the period where Finland was an autonomous Grand Duchy in the Russian Empire. During the
When looking through the main events in Finnish history, broadly speaking, it can be divided into three chapters: the Swedish period prior to 1809, the Russian period from 1809 to 1917, and the independent period from 1917 to the present day.
Finland was part of the Swedish Empire from 1150 to 1809. As we are focusing on the main events in Finnish history, we are going to begin from the 17th century. During the 17th century, while Finland was under Swedish Rule, it started to develop significantly. Between 1637–1640 and 1648–1654 Count Per Brahe functioned as general governor of Finland. During this time many towns were founded and many laws were reformed. In 1640, Finland’s first University was founded in Turku. It was called the Academy of Abo. Count Per Brahe’s period of administration is generally considered very beneficial to the development of Finland. Despite the progress made during this time, the 17th century is generally considered as a gloomy time for the Fins. High taxation, continuing wars such as the northern wars, and the cold climate made it very difficult for the Fins. During the final years of the 17th century, a devastating famine caused by climate struck Finland, massacring 30% of the Finnish population.
The 18th century didn’t start off any better for Finnish people, with the great northern war (1700-1721) taking place and shaping Finland’s future significantly. During the Great Northern War, Finland was occupied by the Russians and the southeastern part, was seized by Russia after the Treaty of Nystad. During this war, Sweden's status as a European great power was lost, and Russia was now the leading power in the North. Throughout the 18th century Finland was partly controlled by Russia and partly by Sweden and was subjected to a tug of war between the two countries.
The next significant event in Finland’s history was the period where Finland was an autonomous Grand Duchy in the Russian Empire. During the