Country's presentation : the history
THE HISTORY
Finland under the domination of Sweden and Russia
Finland
belonged to Sweden for 600 years, from the Middle-Ages until the early
19th century. Several wars between Sweden and Russia were held in
Finland during this period in order to take control of the country. In
1809, all of Finland came under the reign of Russia when Russia was
victorious over Sweden. Finland was still autonomous but the king,
however, was the Russian Tsar.
The independence of Finland
Finland broke away from Russia when the Finnish parliament approved the Declaration of Independence on December 6th, 1917. Finland became an independent country then.
A year
later, in 1918, a civil war broke out in Finland between the Reds, who
represented the workers and the whites, composed of the middle-class and
the farmers. This war ended in May 1918 with the defeat of the Reds.
Independent
Finland became a republic whose president was elected for a term of six
years and whose laws were passed by a parliament elected by the people.
Winter War and Continuation War
The
Soviet Union attacked Finland in November 1939. During the Second World War,
Finland was faced with two wars against the Soviet Union: the Winter War of
1939-1940 and the 1941 continuation of war in 1944. Following these wars,
Finland lost the territories which were given to the Soviet Union. More than
400,000 Finns residing in these territories had to leave their homes and settle
elsewhere in Finland as refugees. But Finland had to gain its independence.
Finland after wars
Finland
rapidly became a very prosperous country. However in the 1980s it had to face
an economic crisis. Unemployment affected 20% of the workforce. But thanks to a
revival of activity in the technology sector, the country came out of the
crisis and achieved an unemployment rate below the average of the European
Union. Finally, Finland joined the European Union in 1995 and is now part of
the euro area.
The
policy of Finland has resolutely turned towards neutrality. This has allowed
the country to get through any difficult times with minimal hassle. The Finns
are still reluctant to join NATO in order to respect their political
neutrality.
References : books from my uniersity's library
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