How did Finland become independent?
In 1917, Finland declared independence. In the peace settlement Finland ended up ceding a large part of Karelia and some other areas to the Soviet Union. However, Finland remained an independent democracy in Northern Europe. In the latter half of its independent history, Finland has maintained a mixed economy.
Who did Finland belong to before independence?
Sweden
From the late 13th century, Finland gradually became an integral part of Sweden as a consequence of the Northern Crusades. In 1809, as a result of the Finnish War, Finland was annexed by Russia as the autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland, during which Finnish art flourished and the idea of independence began to take hold.
Who did Finland gain independence from?
Just over 100 years ago, on December 6, 1917, Finland officially declared independence from Russia. The Declaration of Independence had been signed on December 4 by the Senate (then Finland’s highest governing body) and was adopted by the Finnish Parliament two days later.
When was Finland annexed?
It existed between 1809 and 1917 as an autonomous part of the Russian Empire. Originating in the 16th century as a titular grand duchy held by the King of Sweden, the country became autonomous after its annexation by Russia in the Finnish War of 1808–1809.
What are the main outlines of Finnish history?
Main outlines of Finnish history. 1 Paleolithic History. Presently there are ongoing excavations in Ostrobothnia, in what is called the Wolf Cave in Kristiinankaupunki, or Kristinestad 2 Suomusjärvi culture (8300-5000 BCE) 3 The Corded Ware culture (3200/2900-2300/1800 BCE) 4 The Iron Age. 5 The Middle & Viking Ages.
Where did the Vikings settle in Finland?
However, there is no evidence of any Viking settlements on the mainland, although archaeological evidence proves that they settled on the Åland Islands. Finland and the Finns were mostly unknown to Europeans during the Viking Age, with the exception of Swedes and Gotlanders, who would have known that Finns and Saami were different races.
Why did Denmark and Russia become allies in 1493?
In 1478 Grand Duke Ivan III had taken control of Novgorod, which brought the might of Muscovy up to the Finnish border. In 1493, Denmark and Muscovy became allies with the aim of engaging Sweden in war on two fronts, and two years later Finland was invaded by Muscovite forces.
How did Sweden become a separate country from Russia?
In 1497 Sweden and Muscovy made peace, and the borders of 1323 were reinstated. By 1523 Sweden had become a seperate state thanks to a revolt against the Kalmar Union led by Gustav Vasa, a Swedish nobleman, who became King Gustav I and founded a dynasty that would rule Sweden and Finland for over 100 years.