Independence of Finland
Finland declared its full independence on 6 December 1917. The formal Declaration of Independence was only part of the long process leading to the independence of Finland.
History
Proclamation of Empress Elizabeth (1742)
The subject of an independent Finland was first mentioned in the 18th century, when present-day Finland was still part of Sweden. On 18 March 1742, during the Russian occupation in the
Anjala conspiracy (1788)
The
Georg Magnus Sprengtporten, who took no direct part in the conspiracy, had written a proposal for a Finnish constitution in 1786. Sprengtporten later had a role in forming the autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland within the Russian Empire, as he became the first Governor-General of Finland after Sweden ceded the rest of Finland to Russia in 1809 at the conclusion of the Finnish War.[3]
Rise of national identity
According to professor Martti Häikiö, before a nation declares independence, it must develop a national identity and certain institutions.[4] Governing bodies for Finland were developed after 1809, when it was "elevated as a nation among nations" (as declared by Tsar Alexander I) by becoming an autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland under the Russian tsar. The Diet of Finland met regularly from 1863.
National identity grew simultaneously with Pan-European nationalism.
Elisabeth Järnefelt held the literary salon Järnefelts skola (Järnefelt School), which became a center of the Fennoman movement. During the time 1880–1910 the golden age of
The fennoman motto was:
- "Swedes we are no more,
- Russians we cannot become,
- therefore Finns we must be."[7]
The first period of
During 1905–1908 Leo Mechelin formed a government and created a liberal democracy with the universal right to vote and be elected. In 1906 the unicameral Parliament of Finland was created, with universal and equal suffrage.[14] However, the power of the parliament was limited by the tsar from 1908–1916.
The second period of Russification of Finland (Finnish: Toinen sortokausi) in 1908 and World War I led activist groups to unite. Under Franz Albert Seyn, Bobrikov's successor as Governor-General, all legislation was moved to the Russian State Duma, which then pushed for laws restricting Finnish autonomy. Russia demanded higher payments and the Senate of Finland was replaced with the admiral-senate or saber-senate.[15] Nicholas II pushed for complete russification and the end of Finnish autonomy in 1914, but this was halted by the beginning of the First World War. The Jäger Movement was formed and sent first 200, and later 1900, Finnish volunteers to Germany to be trained as Jägers (elite light infantry) for armed resistance.[16] The Finnish Jägers formed the 27th Jäger Battalion and were eventually sent to Libau to fight against the Russian Empire. Sibelius composed the Jäger March on lyrics written by Heikki Nurmio, who served in the 27th Battalion.[17]
Discussions in 1917
Revolution in Russia
The
Power act
The resulting proposal, approved by the Russian Provisional Government, was heavily rewritten in the Finnish Parliament and transformed into the so-called Power Act (Finnish: Valtalaki, Swedish: Maktlagen), whereby the Parliament declared[18] itself to now hold all powers of legislation, except with respect to foreign policy and military issues, and also declared that it could be dissolved only by itself. At the time of the vote it was believed that the Provisional Government would be quickly defeated by the rebellion in Saint Petersburg. The Provisional Government survived, however, and disapproved of the Power Act and dissolved the Finnish Parliament.[citation needed]
After new elections and the ultimate defeat of the Provisional Government in the
On 2 November (15 November N.S.) 1917, the
The old Instrument of Government was, however, no longer deemed suitable. Leading circles had long held that monarchism and hereditary nobility were antiquated, and advocated a republican constitution for Finland.[citation needed]
The Declaration and 15 November
Pehr Evind Svinhufvud formed a Senate which started on 27 November 1917. Its goal was to execute independence as soon as possible. The Senate returned to the Parliament with a Declaration of Independence and proposal for a new republican Instrument of Government on 4 December.[21] The Declaration of Independence was technically given the form of a preamble of the proposition, and was intended to be agreed upon by the Parliament. Parliament adopted the Declaration on 6 December with 100 votes against 88.[22][23]
With reference to the declaration of 15 November, the new declaration says:
The people of Finland have by this step taken their fate in their own hands; a step both justified and demanded by present conditions. The people of Finland feel deeply that they cannot fulfil their national and international duty without complete sovereignty. The century-old desire for freedom awaits fulfilment now; Finland's people step forward as a free nation among the other nations in the world. (...) The people of Finland dare to confidently await how other nations in the world recognize that with their full independence and freedom, the people of Finland can do their best in fulfilment of those purposes that will win them a place amongst civilized peoples.
International recognition
Svinhufvud immediately asked Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, and France to recognize Finland's independence. The West, however, said they would wait until the former ruler, Russia, recognized the declaration. They told Svinhufvud to talk to
On 18 December (31 December
After trying in vain to meet the Soviets on December 30, 1917 - then Sunday - the next day, the delegation managed to submit this letter to Lenin's secretary, and in the evening at 9 o'clock it went to Smolny to hear the decision. "We waited a couple of hours in the big hallway and sat at the corner of the table," says Svinhufvud, "and we had the furs on and the caps on hand, because they didn't dare leave them." Smolna was busy despite the late hours. Guests came and went, typists ran down the hallways, even toddlers on the floor. On several occasions, Enckell tried to rush to the Soviet government's head of office, Vladimir Bonch-Bruyevich
It was worded as follows: "We rose one after another and signed with special satisfaction the recognition of Finland's independence," writes I. Steinberg, who was a justice commissioner in Lenin's government. "We knew that Finland's current hero Svinhufvud, once sent to exile by the tsar, was our public social enemy. and that he would not spare any of us in the future. But if we free the Finnish people from the oppression of Russia, there will be one less historical injustice in the world." Despite the fact that this letter merely announced the proposed recognition of Finland's independence, it actually meant full recognition of independence, as the confirmation of the Executive Committee was only a formality. Thus, in the last hour of the last day of the year, Finland had received an official certificate of resignation from Russia. After handing over this formal declaration of independence to the delegation, Bonch-Bruyevich planned to say goodbye and leave, but then Enckell pointed out: "When the Chairman of the Finnish Government is here, would it not be desirable for him to meet Lenin in person and express his gratitude to the Finnish people for the recognition of their independence."
Bonch-Bruyevich now went back to the commissioners' room, informing the commissioners that Svinhufvud was waiting in the hallway and wanted to thank Lenin. This resulted in great confusion, Lenin shrugged, laughed a little embarrassed, and refused. "What can I say to those bourgeoisie!" It was then suggested that Leon Trotsky go to greet the guests, but he too refused sharply. It was finally invented that Justice Commissioner Steinberg should agree to the request. "What can I tell them," he asked and continued: "I could only arrest them in my post!" Trotsky laughed cunningly at this: "Like you would capture!" Now Bonch-Bruyevich was nervous. He interrupted the play and again asked Lenin to go out to greet the Finns. In a worn suit and head presses, Lenin was now following Bonch-Bruyevich, while the hall was still laughing and counting dives. "Lenin came and held out his hand to us, and we introduced him to Svinhufvud," says Enckell of this historic scene, adding that "Lenin squeezed Svinhufvud's hand cordially.""Are you satisfied now?" Lenin asked. "Very satisfied," replied Svinhufvud. "Russia was spoken there and answered in Russian," says Svinhufvud, adding that "it only said a sad thank you for the letter of resignation." The Finns left now. Svinhufvud, Enckell, and Idman rushed quickly to the Secretary of State’s Office. A typewritten copy of the recognition of independence was urgently taken there, after which we left for the station and from there continued by train to Finland. A few days later, the Russian Central Executive Committee confirmed the recognition of Finland's independence, which was thus finally decided for Russia.[27]
The independence of Finland was recognized after that by Germany, Sweden, and France on 4 January 1918, by Norway and Denmark on 10 January, and by Austria-Hungary on 13 January.[28]
Organizing a new country
Hardship burdened the common people, resulting in polarization, and soon ignited the Civil War. The declaration actually addresses this problem:
The Government will approach foreign powers to seek the recognition of our political independence. All the complications, famine and unemployment ensuing from the present external isolation make it urgent for the Government to tie direct contacts with foreign powers without delay. Urgent, concrete assistance in the form of necessities for living and industry is our only rescue from imminent famine and industrial standstill.
Many of the necessary ministries and authorities had been founded during years of autonomy, and they continued their activities perhaps after a change of name. The
The attempt to establish a monarchy in Finland failed and in 1919 Kaarlo Juho Ståhlberg became the first president. The first parliamentary elections were held in March 1919.
List of recognition
State[31] | Date [31] |
---|---|
Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic | 4 January 1918 |
France | 4 January 1918 |
Sweden | 4 January 1918 |
German Empire | 4 January 1918 |
Kingdom of Greece | 5 January 1918 |
Norway | 10 January 1918 |
Denmark | 10 January 1918 |
Switzerland | 11 January 1918 |
Austria-Hungary | 13 January 1918 |
Netherlands | 28 January 1918 |
Spain | 21 February 1918 |
Ottoman Empire | 21 February 1918 |
Kingdom of Bulgaria | 21 February 1918 |
Holy See | 2 March 1918 |
Argentina | 11 May 1918 |
Persia | 23 July 1918 |
Siam | 9 October 1919 |
Poland | 8 March 1919 |
United Kingdom | 6 May 1919 |
United States | 7 May 1919 |
Japan | 23 May 1919 |
Belgium | 10 June 1919 |
Chile | 17 June 1919 |
Peru | 23 June 1919 |
Kingdom of Italy | 27 June 1919 |
Uruguay | 18 August 1919 |
Liechtenstein | 27 October 1919 |
Portugal | 19 December 1919 |
Brazil | 26 December 1919 |
Colombia | 31 December 1919 |
Kingdom of Romania | 8 April 1920 |
Venezuela | 18 April 1920 |
Panama | 17 May 1920 |
Ecuador | 25 June 1920 |
Mexico | 13 July 1920 |
Kingdom of Hungary | 23 August 1920 |
Paraguay | 3 June 1921 |
Luxembourg | 25 October 1921 |
Kingdom of Yugoslavia [32] | 27 July 1922 |
Afghanistan | 17 July 1928 |
Kingdom of Albania | 1 December 1928 |
Chile | 20 February 1931 |
National symbols
From several suggestions, the parliament selected a blue and white flag, which was flown over the house of parliament on 28 May 1918.[33] The coat of arms of Finland, with a crowned lion on a red field had existed since Swedish rule.[34]
Selection of the national anthem divided social classes. The conservatives preferred "Maamme" by Runeberg and Pacius, while the working class was singing "La Marseillaise" and "The Internationale". After the Whites won the Finnish Civil War, "Maamme" was chosen.
Finland's Independence Day was declared to be 6 December and a national holiday. The bill to make Finland a republic was passed by the Diet in 1919.
Commemoration
The 90th Anniversary of Finland's Declaration of Independence was selected as the main motif for the €5 90th Anniversary of Finland's Declaration of Independence commemorative coin, minted in 2007. The reverse shows petroglyph aesthetics, while the obverse has a nine-oar boat with rowers as a symbol of collaboration. Musical symbols and Finnish kantele strings are also included in the coin's design.
See also
- Timeline of Independence of Finland (1917-1920)
- History of Finland
- Politics of Finland
- Finland under Swedish rule
- Finnish Civil War
- Heimosodat
- Trust (1976 film)
References
- ISBN 963 243 111 1.
- ISBN 9780521647014.
- ^ "Sprengtporten, Georg Magnus (1740 - 1819)". Biografiakeskus. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
- ^ Haikio, Martti. "Kansakunta itsenäistyy – näkökulmia Suomen valtiollisen itsenäistymisen 100-vuotisjuhlan viettoon". itsenaisyys100 (in Finnish). Helsingin Suomalainen Klubi. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
- ^ Matti Klinge. "Runeberg, Johan Ludvig (1804 - 1877)". The National Biography of Finland. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
- ^ a b c Klinge, Matti. "Snellman, Johan Vilhelm (1806 - 1881)". The National Biography of Finland. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
- ISBN 951-746-442-8(page 406)
- ^ Johnson, A.; Bickford, C., Hudson, W., Dole, N. Cyclopedic Review of Current History. Volume 9. Garretson, Cox & Co. 1899 page 198 and following
- ^ .
- ^ "1899. The Collection of Decrees of the Grand Duchy of Finland. No 3". Retrieved 9 December 2017.
- ^ "Pro Finlandia". Retrieved 9 December 2017.
- ^ "The Russian Empire". Finland: A Country Study. Library of Congress. 1988. Retrieved 26 December 2016.
- ^ a b "Other orchestral works / In Memoriam". Jean Sibelius. Finnish Club of Helsinki. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
- ^ "Parliamentarism in Finland". Finland.fi. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
- ^ Markku Tyynilä. "Historiaa: Amiraalisenaatin oikeusosasto". Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 8 December 2017.
- ^ "The Finnish Jaeger Movement". Embassy of Finland, Riga.
- ^ "The war and the fifth symphony 1915-1919". Jean Sibelius. Finnish Club of Helsinki. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
- ^ "Hallituksen esitykseen, joka sisältää ehdotuksen laiksi erinäisten asiain siirtämisestä Suomen senaatin ja kenraalikuvernöörin ratkaistavaksi" (in Finnish). 25 July 1917. Retrieved 8 February 2014.
- ISBN 978-0816658022.
- ^ "Eduskunta". Suomi 80 (in Finnish). Tampere University. Archived from the original on 15 May 2017. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
- ^ "Tiistaina 4. p. joulukuuta – Hallituksen puheenjohtajan lausunto Suomen valtiollisen itsenäisyyden toteuttamisesta". Toiset valtiopäivät 1917, Pöytäkirjat, osa I (in Finnish). Valtioneuvoston kirjapaino. 1918. p. 310–311.
- ISBN 0 8093 9112 0.
- ^ Ohto Manninen (1992). Itsenäistymisen vuodet 1917–1920. osa I: Irti Venäjästä (in Finnish). Helsinki: Valtionarkisto. p. 227.
- ISBN 0 691 05359 6.
- ^ "Primary Documents - Soviet Recognition of Finland's Independence, 18 December 1917". first world war. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
- ^ "On This Day - 4 January 1918". first world war. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
Eastern front: Bolshevik Government recognises independence of Finland.
- ^ Erkki Räikkönen: Svinhufvud ja itsenäisyyssenaatti : piirteitä P. E. Svinhufvudin ja hänen johtamansa senaatin toiminnasta ja vaiheista syksyllä 1917 ja keväällä 1918. Otava, 1935.
- ISBN 963 243 111 1.
- ^ "Autonomian ajan viranomaiset". Arkistojen portti (in Finnish). Archives of Finland. Retrieved 26 December 2016.
- ^ "Finland - International Hydrographic Review". Centre for Digital Scholarship Journals. Retrieved 26 December 2016.
- ^ a b "Suomi ulkomailla". Finland abroad. 6 December 2020. Retrieved 6 December 2020.
- ISBN 978-952-5805-86-4.
- ^ "Quirks of history: Finnish flag created in a restaurant back room?". Suomifinland100. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 12 June 2016.
- ^ "Coat of Arms". finland.fi. Retrieved 26 December 2016.
External links
- Finland as a state in 1917 - Itsenäisyys100