Finsk Självständighetshistoria..
2025-11-09
Before Swedish Rule (pre-12th century) Finland wasn’t a unified state. Instead, it was inhabited by Finnic tribes, including:
The Finns proper (in the southwest)
The Tavastians (Häme) (in the central inland)
The Karelians (in the east)
The Sami (in Lapland)
Each tribe had its own chieftains and warrior leaders, often referred to in the sagas as kuningas (king), but this word didn’t mean a monarch like in Sweden or Denmark — it was more like “chief” or “leader of men.”
Starting in the 1150s, Sweden began a series of crusades into Finland, often justified as “holy wars” to convert the Finns to Christianity. Historians debate how much of this was genuine religious zeal versus military expansion.
First Swedish Crusade (c. 1150s): Traditionally led by King Eric IX and Bishop Henry into southwest Finland.
Second and Third Crusades (13th century): Extended Swedish control into Tavastia and Karelia.
By the late 13th century, Finland was incorporated into the Kingdom of Sweden, divided into provinces (e.g., Åbo, Tavastehus, Viborg).
No Native Finnish KingdomUnlike Denmark, Norway, or Sweden, Finland:
Never had a central monarchy or court.
Didn’t produce its own royal dynasty.
Wasn’t organized as a state before Swedish rule.
That said, Finnish oral epics (like the Kalevala) preserve memories of legendary rulers and heroes, such as Väinämöinen and Lemminkäinen — mythic figures rather than historical kings.
Under Swedish and Then Russian Rulec. 1250–1809: Finland was part of the Kingdom of Sweden, not a colony but an integral eastern half.
1809–1917: Finland became the Grand Duchy of Finland under the Russian Empire, with its own laws and institutions — this was the first time Finland had semi-autonomy and a distinct political identity.
1917: Finland finally became an independent republic.
Sources:
The Cambridge History of Scandinavia, Vol. 1 (2003)
David Kirby – A Concise History of Finland (Cambridge Univ. Press, 2006)
Eino Jutikkala & Kauko Pirinen – A History of Finland (Finnish Historical Society, 1962)
Lars Ericsson – “The Swedish Crusades: Myth and Reality,” Scandinavian Journal of History (1999)
National Museum of Finland – Prehistory of Finland
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