Grand Duchy of Finland

The Grand Duchy of Finland was a state that existed 1809–1917 as part of the Russian Empire.

History

An extended Finland Proper was made a titulary Grand Duchy (more correctly, Grand Principality) in 1581, when king John III of Sweden, who as a prince had been royal duke of Finland (1556–1561/63), extended the list of subsidiary titles to the Kings of Sweden considerably. The new title Grand Duke of Finland did not result in any increase of Finnish autonomy.

Related Topics:
Finland Proper - Grand Duchy - Principality - 1581 - John III of Sweden - Royal duke - 1556 - 1561 - 63 - Grand Duke of Finland

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(During the next two centuries, the title was used by some of John's successors on the throne, but not all (e.g. his brother Charles IX used King of the Finns instead). Usually it was just a subsidiary title of the King, used only at very formal occasions. However, in 1802 as an indication of resolve to keep Finland within Sweden in face of increased Russian pressure, King Gustav IV Adolf gave the title to his new-born son, Prince Carl Gustaf, who died three years later.)

Related Topics:
Charles IX - 1802 - Russia - Gustav IV Adolf

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During the Finnish War between Sweden and Russia, the four Estates of occupied Finland were assembled at the Diet of Porvoo on March 29, 1809 to pledge allegiance to Alexander I of Russia. Following the Swedish defeat in the war and the signing of the Treaty of Fredrikshamn on September 17, 1809, Finland became a true autonomous grand duchy as a part of the Russian Empire. For the foundation of the Grand Duchy as an entity with relatively great autonomy within the Russian realm, and for the regain of the so called Old Finland, that was lost to Russia in the previous century, the Finland-born Gustaf Mauritz Armfelt, councillor to the emperor, was instrumental.

Related Topics:
Finnish War - Four Estates - Diet of Porvoo - March 29 - 1809 - Alexander I of Russia - Treaty of Fredrikshamn - September 17 - Autonomous - Grand duchy - Russian Empire - Old Finland - Gustaf Mauritz Armfelt

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The history of the Grand Duchy can briefly be characterized as:

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• 1809–1862: fifty years of consolidation, during which the Grand Duchy's authorities succeeded in convincing the Russian court of not only their but of all Finns' loyalty
• 1863–1898: thirty-five years of increased independence, including the re-establishment of the Diet of Finland and the elevation of Finnish from a language for simple people to a national language equal to Swedish
• 1899–1917: twenty years of attempted russification, although ultimately unsuccessful, nevertheless detrimental for Finland's relationship with the Soviet Union

The Tsar ruled Finland as a constitutional monarch through his governor and a native Senate appointed by him. The country nevertheless enjoyed a high degree of autonomy, until its independence in 1917. In 1917, after the February Revolution in Russia, Finland's government worked towards securing Finland's autonomy in domestic matters and possibly even its increase.

Related Topics:
Tsar - Constitutional monarch - Autonomy - 1917 - February Revolution

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On December 6, 1917, shortly after the October Revolution in Russia, Finland declared its independence.

Related Topics:
December 6 - 1917 - October Revolution - Finland declared its independence

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The new elected monarch Prince Frederick Charles of Hesse was to be king instead of grand duke, marking the new status of the nation, but he never reigned until republic was proclaimed.

Related Topics:
Prince Frederick Charles of Hesse - Republic

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