General History
Eric IX
The first inhabitants were the Sami (Lapp) people in the first millennium B.C, but later were forced to move north to the arctic regions. The Finns raided the Scandinavian coast, causing the Swedish king, Eric IX, to conquer the country in 1157. Finland became part of the Swedish kingdom and converted to Christianity.
Alexander I The Flag of the Soviet Socialist Republics
Later, Alexander I of Russia conquered Finland in 1809 so it could be a grand dukedom, but the Finns declared independence on December 6th, 1917. After that, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics attacked Finland on November 30th, 1939 because Finland refused to give into the Soviet Union’s territorial demands. The Finns lost.
Then, the Germans pressured the Finns to join the Nazis against Russia in 1941; the Finns lost again. The Finns and Russians decided to sign a treaty of friendship and mutual assistance, so the Finns didn’t ally with anyone during the Cold War.
The European Union Flag One Euro Martti Ahtisaari
In February of 1994, Finland got its first direct president election in a runoff winner: Martti Ahtisaari, a Social Democrat. Before that, electors had chosen presidents.
In Jan. 1995, Finland became a member of the European Union. On Jan. 1, 1999, Finland started using the euro as its currency.
Pictures of Häme Castle
Notable Place: Häme Castle
Häme Castle is one of Finland's medieval royal castles. It is also one of the few medieval brick buildings still standing in Finland. Häme Castle is located on the shore of Lake Vanajavesi and has been a meeting place for centuries. It has served as a prison before, from 1837 to 1972.
Symbolic Object: Bear
All through Finland's history, the Finns thought and still think that the bear is an intelligent and soulful creature that is a some sort of human living in a forest. In Finnish tradition, women had a special relationship with bears. The relationship was that the bears tried to reincarnate through women. The bear is also believed to be related to man.
Person of Interest: Marshal Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim
Marshal Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim has been the marshal of Finland since 1942. He helped make Finland independent. Mannerheim's White Army won the Finnish Civil War in May 1918. Carl was once president of Finland, just like Martti.