Finnish History

This _Essay aims to flesh out and systematize a series of reflections on the inversely proportional relationship between the eroding conceptual basis, in terms of legitimacy and sovereignty, of absolute rulership in the mid- to late eighteenth century, on the one hand, and the proliferation and growth of public celebrations thereof, on the other. The analysis is based on the life circumstances and ceremonial trajectories of empress
Catherine II of Russia (r. 1762–1796) and king Gustav III of Sweden (r. 1771–1792). By offering an overarching typology of ruler celebrations and their attendant principles and patterns, the _Essay serves as a stepping stone towards a) systematic exploration of other eighteenth-century ruler-ruled equations in Europe and beyond, and b) connecting this burgeoning framework to an already existing apparatus for studying ‘ruler visibility’ and ‘popular belonging’ in nineteenth-century and later contexts globally.

According to the received view, Swedish has very few loanwords from the Saami languages. As of yet there has, however, not been any attempt to review these borrowings in a systematic manner. In this study, I survey the Saami loan etymologies presented in the recently completed Swedish Academy Dictionary (SAOB, 1893–2023).

Gustaf Klercken, impiegato di banca finlandese, scende dal vaporetto sul lago di Lugano con un solo proposito: trovare un letto dove morire in pace. Da anni quella voce implacabile - un'anima malata in un corpo malato - lo insegue attraverso gli uffici, i sanatori alpini, le gallerie e le necropoli d'Italia. Klercken ha sciolto uno a uno i legami con la vita: il lavoro, la moglie, i figli, la patria. Ora, nella luce mite del Ticino, attende la Morte come si attende una promessa. Ma, a Lugano, Klercken incontra una donna dagli occhi che sembrano contenere tutto il dolore e la vitalità del mondo. E qualcosa, dentro di lui, comincia a vacillare. Pubblicato nel 1893, è il romanzo più audace di Karl August Tavaststjerna (1860-1898), voce di punta della letteratura finnosvedese di fine Ottocento. Concepito nell'effluvio culturale del cenacolo berlinese del "Zum schwarzen Ferkel", il libro abbraccia tutte le inquietudini del decadentismo europeo: la tanatofilia, il mesmerismo, la crisi dell'io maschile davanti a una femminilità sovrana e misteriosa. Un romanzo che oggi può essere letto uno degli esempi più riusciti di prosa decadente dell'area scandinava.

The review article examines the emergence and acceleration of Finland’s economic growth from the mid-19th century to the Second World War from the perspectives of political economy and Marxist theory. The point of departure is that economic growth is not merely a quantitative phenomenon, but the result of a qualitative transformation of the economic system. The analysis focuses on the transition from a traditional economy based on subsistence agriculture to a capitalist market economy. The theoretical framework is based on Karl Marx’s concept of primitive accumulation, which is used to examine changes in property relations, the formation of a free wage labor force, the accumulation of monetary wealth, and the role of the state and institutions. The article demonstrates that key preconditions for Finland’s economic growth were the availability of cheap labor, the concentration of capital, and the expansion of market production. The findings challenge economic history growth research, modernization theories, and institutional interpretations, and emphasize the social and political conditions of economic growth.

The Younger Edda or Prose-Edda by Snorri Sturleson 1220 translated in English by professor Rasmus Björn Anderson 1879 is translated in Finnish language by folklorist Seija M. Tarvainen in March-April 2026. This paper describes the ancient Skandinavian mythology and religion before Christianity with prose and poems. ISBN 978-952-88-1934-9  given by The National Archives of Finland.

In this article I argue that a deliberate ecclesiastical “occupation” of pre-Christian cult sites with hiisi-names, which has often been supposed to have happened in the missionary diocese of Finland and in the diocese of Åbo that succeeded it, probably did not take place.

Heikki Kokon artikkeli tarkastelee 1800-luvun puolivälissä syntyneen suomenkielisen lehdistön paikalliskirjeilmiön historiografiaa. Paikalliskirjeet olivat ainutlaatuinen varhaisen kansalaisyhteiskunnan ja vuorovaikutteisen tiedonvälityksen muoto, jossa tavalliset kansalaiset kirjoittivat valtakunnallisiin lehtiin oman paikallisyhteisönsä nimissä. Vaikka ilmiö oli omana aikanaan erittäin laaja ja kasvatti merkittävästi suomenkielisen lehdistön levikkiä, se jäi pitkälti perinteisen historiankirjoituksen marginaaliin. Fennomaaninen sivistyneistö piti kansan omaehtoista kirjoittelua liian rahvaanomaisena, eikä se sopinut 1800-luvun lopun transnationaaliseen, korkeakulttuuria korostavaan nationalismin ihanteeseen.

Artikkeli osoittaa, että vasta 2000-luvulla Kansalliskirjaston sanomalehtiaineistojen digitalisointi sekä paikalliskirjeitä kokoavan Translocalis-tietokannan perustaminen toivat ilmiön kunnolla historiantutkijoiden saavutettavaksi. Nykytutkimuksessa paikalliskirjekulttuuri on alettu nähdä keskeisenä osana Suomen demokratisoitumisen yhteiskunta- ja kulttuurihistoriaa. Se toimi eräänlaisena aikansa sosiaalisena mediana, joka mahdollisti yhteiskunnallisen osallistumisen alhaalta ylöspäin ja loi uudenlaisen tietokanavan vallanpitäjien ja kansan välille.

The individualization of skeletal remains from multiple burials, as well as the kinship analysis between individuals buried together, is problematic, because frequently, these cases are related with LTD (Low Template DNA) samples. To deal with this kind of problems, where the kinship degree between the individuals is completely unknown, there has been developed an interesting tool called Blind search, in the context of the Familias 3.0 software. This tool is capable to assess randomly, kinship relationships between multiple STR (Short Tandem Repeats) profiles. We have performed an evaluation of the Blind Search tool of Familias 3.0 , carrying out kinship analysis of the possible relationships between 39 individuals exhumed from 6 different multiple burials from archaeological sites among 3000–5000 years of antiquity located in Castilla y Leon (Central Spain). To evaluate the results, it was taken into account also the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype of each individual.

The linguistic background of the West Uralic limnonyms in Novgorod and Tver Oblasts The present article seeks to describe the West Uralic linguistic situation before the final slavicization of the ancient Novgorodian pjatinas of Dereva and Bežeck, which were located mainly in modern Novgorod and Tver oblasts. The goal has been to linguistically analyze those limnonyms (names of lakes) which contain the shortened generics *jädra >-dra,-dro and jär(i)/jer(i) >-er,-ar 'lake' and the topoformant-(V)mlja. Stems of the selected names have been compared with hydronyms which are located in the ancient Meryan, Mordvin, and Vepsian territories and with the modern Mordvin and Vepsian languages. In addition, relevant Russian dialectal words have been studied. As a main result it can be suggested that the area of the Dereva pjatina was populated by West Čudes whose language had some features in common with Mordvin. The territory of Bežeck pjatina was inhabited by East Čudes whose language has been linked, at least to some extent, to the Meryan language based on the hydronyms. Finally, a brief discussion of the possible influence of West Čudic on Finnic languages is presented. Both of those ancient West Uralic Čudic languages became extinct in the sixteenth century at the latest.

Krane's Café (1945) is a major novel by the Norwegian writer Cora Sandel (1880-1974). The quality of this work is largely due to the linguistic fabric of the text, as well as the Norwegian and Swedish spoken by the two protagonists throughout. This bilingualism owes itself to the author's proficiency in both languages and the phenomenon of Scandinavian receptive multilingualism that is particularly strong in Norway. On a broader note, the novel's literary multilingualism consists in interweaving voices from the town, thereby creating a public space, with a set of compositional and stylistic devices that form part of the development of the modern novel, as highlighted by Bakhtin in his reflections on discourse in the novel and Spitzer's analysis of free indirect speech. My final focus is on the challenging processes of adaptation of this kind of multilingual novel into a play and of its translations into other languages. 1

From the 17th century onwards, several noble families from the British Isles, or individual members of such families, came to the Holy Roman Empire and the Habsburg lands. The reasons for the migration varied. They were predominantly political, but they were also economic or purely adventurous. A large proportion of these noble families integrated into the noble society of the Empire. Individuals assumed prominent positions in the military, political and social spheres, and also married into to the German nobility. Integration was also reflected in the “translation” of British titles of nobility into those of the Holy Roman Empire. On the other hand, continuity with the British homeland was shown by the retention of the family coat of arms and the old predicates associated with the British estates. In most cases, the British families kept the old coat of arms and were allowed to use it in the new homeland, but some were given a completely new coat of arms when they were admitted to the “Reichsadel”.
Using selected noble families of English, Irish or Scottish descent as examples, this paper presents the reasons for their migration from the British Isles, the ways in which they were integrated into the “Reichsadel”, and the changes or continuities in their identity, including through their heraldic imagery. The focus is on the British nobility in the Habsburg hereditary lands, with a particular emphasis on the territory that is now part of the Republic of Slovenia.

First coined in the 1930s, with reference to glaciation in North America, the concept of the “Little Ice Age” has undergone continuous
revisions. It has traveled academically from glaciology to climatology, archeology, history, and, most recently, climate
communication. Over time, it has grown into one of the most discussed topics in the field of climate history and attracts both
considerable scholarly interest and public attention. The term “Little Ice Age” has been criticized for oversimplifying climatic
change, focusing too much on temperature, and excluding possible effects on humans. Yet it remains a powerful “boundary
object” in interdisciplinary cooperation, science communication, and the “environing” of history. In this sense, it serves similar
functions as other concepts in the field of human–environment interactions, such as “global warming” or “climate resilience.”
This article investigates the contested history and the potential uses of the “Little Ice Age” concept. It explores how the concept
encourages interdisciplinary consilience, global perspectives, and public debate. In summary, these aspects are connected and
contrasted to the use of similar concepts, such as “climate resilience” and “tipping points” in the sphere of climate–society
interactions.

Suomi ja Pohjola ovat aina olleet osa Atlantin valtojen eli Englannin ja Yhdysvaltojen oman turvallisuuden geopolitiikkaa - ja Jäämeren kehityksen vuoksi nyt enemmän kuin koskaan. Tänään Suomi ja Pohjola ovat yhä voimakkaammin Naton ja Yhdysvaltojen johtamisjärjestelmässä osa Atlantin valtojen oman kotimaan puolustuksen etulinjaa.
Asiasta kiinnostunut voi aloittaa ensimmäisestä Jäämeren muutoksesta, joka mullisti Pohjolan geopolitiikan 500 vuotta sitten: KUN JÄÄMERI EDELLISEN KERRAN MULLISTI POHJOLAN GEOPOLITIIKAN 1500-LUVULLA.

Sen päälle pohdintaa tapahtumista nykypäiviin asti:. GRÖNLANNIN KYSYMYS JA SUOMEN GEOPOLITIIKKA:

(Katkelmat ”Suomi sulo Pohjola suurvaltojen geopolitiikassa – Roomasta Jäämerelle”)
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Finland and the Nordic countries have always been part of the geopolitics of the Atlantic powers, i.e. England and the United States, and now more than ever because of the development of the Arctic Ocean. Today, Finland and the Nordic countries are increasingly part of the front line of the Atlantic powers' own national defence in the command and control system of NATO and the United States. Those interested can start with the first change in the Arctic Ocean, which revolutionised Nordic geopolitics 500 years ago: WHEN THE ARCTIC OCEAN LAST REVOLUTIONISED NORDIC GEOPOLITICS IN THE 16TH CENTURY.

On top of that, reflection on the events up to the present day: THE GREENLAND QUESTION AND FINLAND'S GEOPOLITICS:

(Excerpts from "Finland, the Sweet Nordic Countries in the Geopolitics of the Great Powers – From Rome to the Arctic Ocean")

Viaporia on tutkittu yllattavan vahan. Linnoituksen arkkitehtuuri, historian vaiheet ja linnoituksen rakennuttajan Augustin Ehrensvardin elamantyo tunnetaan paapiirteissaan, mutta taysin vaille vastausta on jaanyt kysymys siita, mika vaikutus Viaporilla oli Uudellamaalla, Suomessa ja Itameren alueella. Miten Viaporin rakentaminen vaikutti Helsingin porvariston liiketoimiin ja elamaan ylipaataan seka millainen innovatiivinen vaikutus linnoituksella oli alueellaan? Mika oli Viaporin merkitys?

Тaipale, Іlkka Editor; Lesik, О. Translation (2011). 100 соціальних інновацій з Фінляндії. Передмова Президент Фінляндії Тар'я Халонен; 100 Sosiaalista Innovaatiota Suomesta. First edition, Ukrainian. За підтримки: Фонд Центру Балтійського моря Itämerikeskussäätiö; FILI - Finnish Literature Exchange. Original 2006, Finnish. Lviv: Panorama, ZUKC, 206 p. ISBN 978-966-8084-88-1.
This book presents a curated overview of political, social, and practical innovations that have shaped everyday life in Finland and contributed to the country’s high levels of well-being, equality, and social trust. Rather than focusing solely on technological breakthroughs, the publication highlights solutions that simplify daily life, strengthen social cohesion, and promote equal opportunities for all citizens.
Certain innovations were emphasized or restructured to enhance contextual understanding, practical applicability, and cultural resonance. This approach allowed the book to function not only as a translation, but as a knowledge-transfer tool, demonstrating how Finnish social innovations can inspire policy development and grassroots initiatives in other societal contexts.
By combining academic insight with accessible language and real-world examples, the book serves educators, policymakers, students, and civil society actors interested in social reform, welfare systems, and innovation-driven governance. The Ukrainian edition stands as an example of meaningful international cooperation, where innovation is shared as a common resource rather than a national asset.

This study analyzes the evolution of the Finnish video game industry during the 80s, focusing on the hegemony of the Commodore 64 (C64) and the sociocultural dynamics that transformed a peripheral nation into a center of technical excellence. Through the examination of historiographical sources, market data and software productions of the time, the report highlights how Finland has adopted the C64 as the "Computer of the Republic" (Tasavallan tietokone), creating a homogeneous ecosystem that has favored the sharing of skills and the emergence of internationally renowned authorial figures such as Stavros Fasoulas and Jukka Tapanimäki. The failed domestic publishing initiatives (Amersoft), the success of the creative export to the United Kingdom (Thalamus, Hewson) and the seminal role of the demoscene as an incubator for future multinationals in the sector (Housemarque, Remedy) are examined. The analysis shows that the unwritten "norms" of this period, technical excellence, solitary authorship and commercial pragmatism, formed the lasting foundation of Finland's digital success.

Tampereella  vuosina  1946–2024  toiminut  Lenin-museo  oli  poikkeus  suo-malaisessa  museokentässä.  Se  oli  vasemmistolaisen  työväenliikkeen  piirissä  syntynyt museo, jolla oli tiiviit yhteydet Neuvostoliiton museoihin ja poliittisiin toimijoihin. Tampereen Lenin-museo oli kuitenkin lähtökohtaisesti paikallinen aloite, jossa Lenin henkilönä istutettiin suomalaiseen kontekstiin ja paikalliseen muistitietoon. Tässä artikkelissa tarkastelemme, miten Lenin-museon pysyvät näyttelyt  rakennettiin  ja  millaisia  narratiiveja  museo  Leninistä  välitti  kylmän  sodan vuosina suomalaisessa kontekstissa ja suomalaiselle yleisölle.