Finland as a Grand Duchy of Russia
From 1809 to 1917, Finland was an autonomous Grand Duchy within the Russian Empire. During this period, Finland retained its own laws, institutions, and administration, while being ruled by the Russian Emperor as Grand Duke of Finland. This era played a decisive role in the formation of Finnish statehood.
From Sweden to Russia
Finland became part of the Russian Empire in 1809 after Sweden’s defeat in the Finnish War. The change was confirmed at the Diet of Porvoo, where the Russian Emperor Alexander I pledged to respect Finland’s laws, religion, and privileges.
Unlike many other regions of the empire, Finland was not fully integrated into Russia but governed as a separate political entity.
Autonomy and institutions
Finland retained a high degree of autonomy. It had its own legal system, administration, and later its own currency. The Senate of Finland acted as the central government, and Finnish authorities handled most internal matters.
The Russian Emperor ruled Finland through a Governor-General, but day-to-day governance remained largely Finnish.
Language and national awakening
During the 19th century, Finnish national identity strengthened. Finnish gradually gained status alongside Swedish, especially in administration and education.
Cultural movements, literature, and the collection of folk poetry, such as the Kalevala, contributed to a growing sense of Finnish nationhood.
Russification policies
Towards the end of the 19th century, the Russian Empire introduced policies aimed at reducing Finnish autonomy. These measures are known as Russification.
Russification affected administration, the military, and language policy, and met strong resistance in Finnish society, including petitions and passive resistance.
Path to independence
Political tensions increased in the early 20th century. The Russian revolutions of 1917 weakened imperial authority and created an opportunity for Finland to determine its own future.
In December 1917, Finland declared independence, bringing the Grand Duchy period to an end.