Page 654 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Europe

652  SC ANDINA VIA

Sweden. Under Swedish sovereignty, the 1917. Between the two world wars, Finland
Finnish tribes gradually developed a sense was dominated by a controversy over
of unity, which would later form the basis language. The Finns fought for the
for a proud national identity. supremacy of their native tongue, and
From the 13th to the 18th centuries, the use of Swedish declined sharply.
Finland was a battleground for Despite its independent status,
power struggles between tensions between Finland and the
Sweden and Russia. In 1809, Soviet Union remained throughout
Sweden ceded Finland to the early 20th century. Years of fear
Russia, and the territory became culminated in the 1939–40
an autonomous Grand Duchy of Winter War against an invading
Russia. Helsinki was decreed the Soviet army, swiftly followed
Finnish capital in 1812, and by the by the “War of Continuation”
1830s, the transformation of this (1941–44), in which Finland
rocky fishing harbor into a aided German troops against
major Baltic trading city was the Soviet Union. Deep Kajaani
well underway. Statue of General Mannerheim, suspicion of the Soviet Union Kärsämäki
When Czar Nicholas II architect of independence continued for decades, but Kokkola 28
unwisely removed Finland’s following the demise of the Umeå 8 Iisalmi 6 Lieksa
autonomous status, a determination to USSR in 1991, Finland reached a new FINLAND Pielinen
achieve independence took root. This agreement with Russia which pledged to 16
independence was finally won in 1917, end disputes between them peacefully. Vaasa Lapua Kuopio
aided by the maneuverings of General Carl In recent years, Finland has carved for Seinäjoki Keitele 23 Joensuu
6
Gustaf Emil Mannerheim (1867–1951). itself a peace-brokering reputation, and Kurikka Orivesi
3
Mannerheim ousted the Russian soldiers has expanded economically through 8 23 Jyväskylä Varkaus
still garrisoned in Finland and thus averted membership of the European Union Parkano 13 14 Savonlinna
the immediate danger that the fledging and the efforts of its entrepreneurs. Gulf of 23 Jämsä R U S S I A
USSR might extend its Communist regime Bothnia Pori 11 Päijänne Mikkeli Lake
Saimaa
into the country. Finland’s declaration of Language and Culture Tampere 4 Imatra Ladoga
independence was finally recognized by What began as a linguistic and cultural 2 Komemäki 12 Heinola Lappeenranta
the Soviet government on December 31, exploration of Finnishness in the 1800s has Rauma Lahti 12 6
evolved into a confident, outward-looking 8 Forssa 3 25 4 Kouvola
KEY DATES IN FINNISH HISTORY sense of nationhood. At the heart of Salo 1 7 Kotka
Finnishness lies the notion of sisu, a kind Turku
1155 First Swedish crusade to Finland Åland S a a r i s t o m e r i 51 HELSINKI St. Petersburg
1216 Finland becomes a duchy of Sweden of courage against the odds, but it also Mariehamn Gulf of
1550 New market town of Helsinki established embraces everything in which the Finns Hankö Tallinn, Finland
1714 & 1721 Russia and Finland are at war take pride, such as the freedom to harvest Stockholm Stockholm, Rostock, St. Petersburg
Travemunde
1748 Island fortress of Suomenlinna under berries and mushrooms in the forests.
construction to defend Finland against Russians Outdoor pursuits have an important
1809 Finland is separated from Sweden and place in the national psyche, especially
becomes an autonomous Grand Duchy of Russia
cross-country skiing, swimming, boating,
1812 Helsinki becomes capital of Grand Duchy and cycling. Finland is also successful in
1917 Declaration of independence some competitive sports, such as long-
1939–44 Russia and Finland at war distance running and rally driving.
1995 Finland joins the European Union In the arts, the music of composer Jean
2000 Helsinki is European City of Culture and Sibelius remains Finland’s best-known
celebrates its 450th anniversary
2002 Finnish mark replaced by Euro cultural export. Finnish architects and
designers, in particular Alvar Aalto
2006 Finland assumes EU presidency
2012 Helsinki is World Design Capital (1898–1976) and the Marimekko
company, are renowned worldwide.

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