suuriruhtinaskuntaa

Suuriruhtinaskunta was a political entity that existed in Finland from 1809 to 1917. It was established as an autonomous Grand Duchy within the Russian Empire following the Finnish War, which resulted in Sweden ceding Finland to Russia. The Russian Emperor held the title of Grand Duke of Finland, but Finland maintained its own laws, religion, and a high degree of self-governance.

During the period of the Grand Duchy, Finland experienced significant economic and social development. A national identity began to solidify, and Finnish language and culture were promoted. The Finnish parliament, the Diet of Finland, was convened periodically, and a Finnish administration managed internal affairs. However, the degree of autonomy varied over time, with periods of increased Russification efforts, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to growing nationalist sentiment and resistance.

The dissolution of the Russian Empire in the February Revolution of 1917 marked the end of the Grand Duchy of Finland. Following this, Finland declared its independence on December 6, 1917, establishing itself as a sovereign republic. The legacy of the Grand Duchy period is a complex one, characterized by both a period of relative peace and development under Russian suzerainty and a growing desire for full national sovereignty.