1.1 The roots of Finnishness
1.2 Swedish rule and autonomy
1.3 Industrialization

1.2 Swedish rule and autonomy

For several centuries Finland was affected by the continuous warfare between Sweden and Novgorod, and later Russia. Finland's eastern border was first determined in 1323, but the boundary changed about once per century. In the early eighteenth century, Sweden lost its position as a great power of the Baltic. The wars and upheavals elsewhere in Europe had a delayed effect on Finland. As a small nation, the Finns had to adapt to the decisions made by the major powers. Following the 1807 Treaty of Tilsit, a year-long war was fought on Finnish territory. In the war the Russians defeated the forces of Sweden and Finland. Finland was annexed to Russia in 1809.

According to the peace treaty, the northerly River Tornio was set as the border between Sweden and Finland. The maritime province of Åland, situated between the two countries, also became part of Russia. One million Finns were transferred from rule by the Swedish crown to that by the Russian Tsar and his capital, St Petersburg. That city was to have a fateful influence on Finland, as it was only a short distance from the Russian capital to the Finnish border.

Under Russian rule, the Finns were allowed autonomy. Russia intermittently tightened and loosened its grip on Finland. This autonomous rule ended after less than a century. Finland gained its independence in 1917 during the First World War, a few months after the collapse of Russian Imperial rule.