2024-08-11
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Finland joined the Russian Empire in 1809.
Unlike Poland, which was born with a rebellious nature, Finland was very docile under the Russian Empire. They were one of the few ethnic groups in the empire that were loyal to Russia.
First, Tsarist Russia granted Finland a special status. Finland had autonomy, its own laws, currency, army and education. Second, Finland actually benefited from joining Tsarist Russia. With the strong protection and huge market of Tsarist Russia, Finland's economy developed very well in the 19th century. Also, I think there was no fundamental conflict between Finland and Russia before that.
Because before Finland joined the Russian Empire, it belonged to Sweden. Sweden ruled Finland for 560 years. The Finnish nobility was highly Swedishized, but the ordinary people were not so bad. Russia's competition in Northern Europe mainly took place between it and Sweden. Sweden grew into a European power in the early 17th century and remained strong for 100 years. Its tentacles even extended to Ukraine. In 1709, the Swedish emperor was defeated by Peter the Great in Ukraine. Another 100 years later, in 1808, Sweden lost to Russia again and lost Finland.
Nicholas II, the last Tsar of Russia, was very dissatisfied with Finland's special status. He tried to completely incorporate Finland into Russia and took comprehensive measures against Finland's parliament, army, education, etc. Tragedy occurred.
The loyal Finns rebelled. The Finns were much more educated than the Poles, and a systematic, almost peaceful resistance movement was launched across the country.