During the 19th century, Finland was an autonomous Grand Duchy under the Russian Empire, a period that saw the emergence of a distinct Finnish national identity. Despite being part of the Russian Empire, Finland retained certain freedoms that allowed it to develop its culture, language, and political aspirations. This era, from 1809 to 1917, marked a crucial stage in Finland’s journey toward independence, as Finnish society cultivated a sense of identity and unity rooted in language, culture, and shared aspirations. For those studying for the Finnish citizenship test, understanding the rise of Finnish national identity provides insight into Finland’s values of independence and cultural preservation.
Historical Context: The Transition from Swedish to Russian Rule
In 1809, following the Finnish War between Sweden and Russia, Finland was ceded from Sweden to Russia under the Treaty of Fredrikshamn. Instead of fully integrating Finland into the empire, Tsar Alexander I granted it autonomy as a Grand Duchy. This status provided Finland with its own governmental institutions, laws, and customs, allowing it to maintain a distinct identity within the Russian Empire.
Unlike other regions under Russian rule, Finland retained a significant level of self-governance, which created a foundation for a growing sense of nationalism. The Finnish language, culture, and traditions were preserved and even strengthened, as Russian influence encouraged Finns to assert their own heritage.
Development of Finnish Language and Literature
Language played a central role in the rise of Finnish national identity, as Finnish intellectuals sought to elevate Finnish from a spoken language to a literary and cultural symbol.
- Finnish as a Literary Language: For centuries, Swedish had been the language of administration, education, and literature in Finland. However, during the 19th century, a movement emerged to promote Finnish as a language of culture and literature. Scholars, writers, and poets dedicated themselves to developing Finnish-language literature, paving the way for its eventual recognition as an official language alongside Swedish.
- Elias Lönnrot and the Kalevala: One of the most significant contributions to Finnish national identity was Elias Lönnrot’s compilation of the Kalevala, Finland’s national epic, first published in 1835. The Kalevala, based on Finnish folklore and oral tradition, celebrated Finland’s mythical past and became a symbol of Finnish culture. It inspired pride and a sense of unity, reinforcing the idea that Finland had a distinct heritage worthy of recognition.
- Finnish as an Official Language: Over time, the movement to elevate Finnish gained momentum, leading to Finnish becoming an official language in 1863. This was a major milestone in the Finnish national awakening, as it allowed the language to be used in governmental and legal matters. The recognition of Finnish as an official language reinforced Finland’s distinct identity within the Russian Empire and strengthened the nation’s cultural independence.
Nationalism in Finnish Arts and Education
Art, music, and education also played important roles in fostering Finnish national identity. Finnish artists, composers, and educators contributed to a growing sense of pride and unity.
- Jean Sibelius and Finnish Music: Composer Jean Sibelius became a central figure in Finland’s national movement, with his compositions embodying the Finnish spirit and landscape. Works like Finlandia, a symphonic poem composed in 1899, resonated with Finnish audiences and expressed themes of resistance and independence. Finlandia became a symbol of the Finnish struggle for freedom, stirring nationalist sentiment and uniting Finns in their aspirations for self-determination.
- Akseli Gallen-Kallela and Finnish Visual Art: Painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela drew heavily from Finnish folklore and the Kalevala, creating iconic works that depicted Finnish myths and nature. His art celebrated Finland’s cultural heritage and became emblematic of the Finnish national awakening. Through visual storytelling, Gallen-Kallela contributed to the sense of a shared Finnish identity rooted in myth and landscape.
- Educational Reforms and Literacy: As Finnish became more widely accepted, educational reforms expanded access to Finnish-language schools, promoting literacy and cultural awareness. Teachers and intellectuals promoted the study of Finnish literature, history, and folklore, cultivating a generation of Finns who were literate in their own language and aware of their cultural heritage. The spread of literacy and education empowered more Finns to participate in the national movement.
Political Developments and the Push for Autonomy
While Finland’s cultural identity was strengthening, political developments also contributed to the rise of Finnish nationalism. Finland’s autonomy within the Russian Empire allowed for limited self-governance, but growing Russian influence threatened this autonomy, sparking political resistance.
- The Diet of Finland: In 1863, Tsar Alexander II reconvened the Diet of Finland, a legislative body that allowed Finnish representatives to participate in governance. The Diet provided a platform for Finnish voices, strengthening the belief that Finland could govern itself. Political leaders began to push for greater autonomy, advocating for Finnish interests within the empire.
- Resistance to Russification Policies: In the late 19th century, Russian authorities introduced policies aimed at reducing Finnish autonomy, a process known as “Russification.” These policies included attempts to impose the Russian language, restrict Finnish political freedoms, and integrate Finland more closely into the Russian Empire. The resistance to Russification became a rallying point for Finnish nationalism, uniting different social groups in defense of Finnish identity and self-governance.
- Rise of Political Movements: Political groups advocating for Finnish autonomy gained support during this period. The Fennoman movement, for example, promoted Finnish language and culture, while the Svecoman movement defended Swedish-speaking Finns’ interests. Despite their differences, these groups shared a commitment to defending Finland’s autonomy and resisting Russian influence.
The Path to Independence
By the early 20th century, Finnish national identity had become deeply rooted, with a strong cultural foundation and widespread political support for autonomy. The collapse of the Russian Empire during World War I presented Finland with an opportunity to pursue full independence.
- Declaration of Independence (1917): In December 1917, amid the chaos of the Russian Revolution, Finland seized the moment to declare independence from Russia. The declaration marked the culmination of Finland’s national awakening, as the country took its place as a sovereign state with a distinct cultural and political identity.
- Legacy of the National Awakening: The national awakening laid the foundation for a unified Finnish identity, bringing together diverse groups around a shared language, culture, and vision for the future. The cultural and political developments of the 19th century helped prepare Finland for independence and continue to influence Finnish values and society today.
Legacy of the Finnish National Awakening
The Finnish National Awakening remains a pivotal period in Finnish history, shaping the nation’s sense of self and resilience. The efforts to preserve language, literature, and culture reflect Finland’s dedication to its heritage, while the resistance to Russian influence demonstrates a commitment to autonomy and self-determination. The pride in Finnish language and culture that emerged during this time continues to define Finland’s national identity and is celebrated in cultural and educational institutions.
For those studying for the Finnish citizenship test, understanding the rise of Finnish national identity during Russian rule highlights Finland’s journey toward independence and the values of unity, resilience, and cultural pride that continue to shape the country today.
