kaartumisliikkeet

Kaartumisliikkeet are a group of collective movements in Finnish history that date back to the 17th century. The term refers to a series of popular uprisings and rebellions that took place in the countryside, primarily in southern Finland, in response to food shortages and financial hardships.

The kaartumisliikkeet were characterized by the formation of informal, self-governing communities, known as kartturisuudet, which were often led by charismatic leaders and driven by a desire for economic autonomy. These communities sought to protect their local interests and manage their own affairs, often in opposition to the authority of the local nobility and the government in Stockholm.

One of the primary causes of the kaartumisliikkeet was the persistent poverty and hunger that afflicted Finland during this period. The country was a major exporter of grain, but the benefits of this trade were largely enjoyed by the nobility, while the peasants were forced to suffer under heavy taxes and grain exports. This led to widespread discontent and ultimately, the formation of the kaartumisliikkeet.

The kaartumisliikkeet were a response to the powerlessness and marginalization of the Finnish peasantry during the period of Swedish rule. While the movements were largely peaceful, they posed a significant challenge to the authority of the government, and in some cases, led to violent clashes between peasants and aristocrats. The kaartumisliikkeet played an important role in laying the groundwork for the Finnish nationalist movement, which would eventually lead to Finland's independence from Sweden in 1812.