Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Peace of Oreshek, signed by Sweden and Novgorod at Pähkinäsaari, establishes a frontier in
the Karelian Isthmus, and delineates permitted spheres of influence still evident in present-day
Finland.
1527
King Gustav Vasa of Sweden adopts the Lutheran faith and confiscates much of the property of
the Catholic Church. Finland's main Reformation figure, Mikael Agricola, returns from Germany in
1539.
1637
Per Brahe becomes governor of Finland and goes on to found many towns. Meanwhile, Finnish
cavalry earn a fearsome reputation in the Thirty Years' War.
1640
Finland's first university is founded in Turku, which is the country's principal city until Helsinki is
made capital in 1812.
1700
Karl XII of Sweden is drawn into the Great Northern War, which is to mark the beginning of the
end for the Swedish empire.
1714
Russia occupies Finland, marking the beginning of the seven years known as the Great Wrath.
When peace is made, Russia retains southern Karelia.
1741-43
Russia again occupies Finland. The Treaty of Turku ends what becomes known as the Lesser
Wrath, but cedes parts of the Savo region of Finland to Russia.
1808
Finland is invaded and occupied by Russia, becoming a grand duchy of the Russian Empire in
1809; Tsar Alexander I promises to respect its autonomy at the Diet of Porvoo.
