Finland's Independence in 1917: Celebrating Freedom from Russian Rule and the Birth of a Sovereign Nation

Finland's Independence in 1917: Celebrating Freedom from Russian Rule and the Birth of a Sovereign Nation

Finland's Independence Day, celebrated annually on December 6, commemorates the momentous day in 1917 when the country declared its independence from the Russian Empire. This declaration marked the end of more than a century of Russian rule, and set Finland on the path to becoming a sovereign nation in a turbulent European political landscape. The day holds great significance in the national consciousness of the Finnish people, serving not only as a remembrance of their struggle for freedom but also as a celebration of the values that have shaped modern Finland: democracy, independence, and national pride.

 

Historical Context

To understand Finland's journey to independence, one must first look at the history of the region leading up to 1917. Finland had been part of Sweden for several centuries, but by the early 19th century, the political dynamics of Europe began to shift dramatically. In the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, Finland was ceded from Sweden to the Russian Empire in 1809 under the Treaty of Fredrikshamn, which ended the Finnish War between Sweden and Russia. Finland was then established as the Grand Duchy of Finland under the rule of the Russian Tsar, though it was granted a considerable degree of autonomy in matters of local governance.

During the 19th century, Finland underwent significant social, cultural, and economic changes. The country’s population grew, industrialization began to take hold, and a growing sense of Finnish identity began to emerge. A major influence during this period was the development of Finnish nationalism, often referred to as the "Finnish Awakening" or "Suomalaisuus." This movement was in part inspired by a desire to preserve Finnish language and culture, but it was also a response to the increasing centralization of Russian imperial power, which gradually eroded Finland’s autonomy.

The Tsarist government, particularly under Emperor Alexander II, had allowed Finland to maintain a degree of self-rule, including its own laws, currency, and military. However, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Russian attempts to impose greater control over Finland intensified. These efforts included the Russification policies, which sought to diminish Finland’s autonomy and force Finnish society to adopt Russian language and culture. These policies were met with increasing resistance from the Finnish people, which led to rising tensions and a growing sense of national identity.

The Road to Independence

By the early 20th century, the political landscape of Europe was undergoing dramatic changes. The collapse of the Russian Empire was imminent, particularly in the wake of the First World War, which had weakened the Russian state. The turmoil and instability in Russia created a favorable environment for Finnish independence movements to gain momentum. Amid the chaos of the Russian Revolution in 1917, Finland saw an opportunity to assert its sovereignty.

On March 15, 1917, Tsar Nicholas II of Russia was abdicated, marking the collapse of the Russian monarchy and the beginning of a period of instability. The Provisional Government of Russia, which assumed power after the abdication, was focused on its own internal problems and did not immediately take any action to control Finland. During this time, Finnish leaders, including members of the Senate (Finland's highest legislative body), recognized an opportunity to pursue full independence.

Finland’s struggle for independence was also influenced by the rise of socialist movements in both Finland and Russia. The Russian Revolution had already triggered the overthrow of the Tsarist regime, and the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, were gaining ground in Russia. Meanwhile, Finland’s socialist movement, inspired by Marxist ideology, was growing in strength, which led to tensions between the more conservative factions and the socialists in Finland.

On the other side, Finland’s conservative factions, which sought to distance themselves from Bolshevism and Russian influence, pushed for independence. On July 18, 1917, the Finnish Parliament formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. The document, which was passed unanimously by the Finnish Parliament, declared that Finland would no longer be governed by Russian authorities and would assume full control of its own affairs. The Senate of Finland was entrusted with carrying out the declaration, and the decision was communicated to both the Provisional Government in Russia and to international bodies. Finland had, in effect, declared itself a sovereign nation.

The Immediate Aftermath and Challenges

Despite the declaration, Finland faced many challenges in its quest to secure full independence. The country was not immediately recognized by all major powers, and the internal political climate remained unstable. Finland was divided between the conservative factions, who were determined to create a democratic republic, and the socialists, who sought a more radical, socialist system. These tensions would eventually lead to the Finnish Civil War.

The Bolsheviks in Russia, having seized power under Lenin, were initially supportive of Finland’s independence, as they saw it as an opportunity to weaken Russia’s imperial holdings. However, the Bolshevik government was also facing a series of internal challenges and had its own priorities, which made its commitment to Finland’s sovereignty less stable.

As Finland’s independence was formally declared, the country found itself in the midst of a brutal civil war that broke out in January 1918, just months after the declaration. The war was fought between the "Whites," led by Finland's conservative forces, and the "Reds," representing socialist factions. The Whites, supported by Germany, ultimately emerged victorious, and Finland was recognized as an independent nation by Germany in 1918. However, this was a temporary arrangement, as the end of World War I saw a shift in Germany’s fortunes, and Finland turned to the international community for recognition.

In 1919, Finland’s sovereignty was fully recognized, and it became a member of the League of Nations. The country adopted a republican constitution, and Finland’s democratic institutions began to take shape. Finland’s first president, Kaarlo Juho Ståhlberg, was elected in 1919, and the country embarked on its journey of building a strong, independent democracy.

Commemoration and National Pride

Finland’s Independence Day, December 6, became a symbol of national pride and unity. It serves as a day of remembrance for the sacrifices made by Finns in the struggle for independence, as well as a celebration of the nation's achievements since then. The day is marked by various ceremonies, most notably a presidential reception at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, where dignitaries from Finland and abroad gather to commemorate the country’s independence.

Independence Day is also a time for Finns to reflect on their nation’s values, including democracy, freedom, and human rights. It is a day of patriotism and solidarity, with Finnish flags proudly displayed on homes and public buildings throughout the country. The day is marked by somber ceremonies, including memorial services for those who died during Finland’s wars, as well as festive gatherings that bring people together to celebrate the unity and strength of the Finnish people.

Post-Independence Challenges and Growth

After gaining independence, Finland faced numerous challenges, including rebuilding the economy, establishing democratic institutions, and ensuring its security in a volatile geopolitical environment. The Finnish people faced the harsh realities of war and poverty, but the resilience and determination of the nation’s citizens helped Finland recover.

In the 20th century, Finland’s independence was tested several times, particularly during World War II. Finland was caught between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany during the war and was forced to defend itself in two major conflicts—the Winter War (1939–1940) and the Continuation War (1941–1944). Despite being heavily outnumbered, Finland fought fiercely to preserve its independence, and the country emerged from the war with its sovereignty intact.

Finland’s post-war period was marked by rebuilding efforts, as well as the development of a strong welfare state. In the second half of the 20th century, Finland transformed itself into a modern, industrialized nation, becoming a member of the European Union in 1995 and continuing to play an active role in international diplomacy.

Conclusion

Finland’s Independence Day is not just a celebration of its break from Russian imperial rule but also a testament to the resilience and determination of the Finnish people. The declaration of independence in 1917 marked the beginning of a new chapter in Finnish history—one defined by a commitment to democracy, peace, and national unity. Today, December 6 remains a day of reflection, celebration, and remembrance, as Finns honor the legacy of those who fought for their independence and continue to build a prosperous future for their nation. Finland’s journey from a Grand Duchy under Russian rule to a modern, independent republic is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-determination, national pride, and the enduring spirit of a people united in their quest for freedom.

Photo from iStock

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