Märkesåret 1809

Märkesåret 1809 is a joint Swedish/Finnish government project that provides information about the 2009 bicentennial of the division of Sweden, commemorating the 1809 joining of Finland to Russia as the Grand Duchy of Finland.

Overview

From early medieval times years, Sweden and Finland were one country; but after the Russian victory in the Finnish War 1808-1809, Sweden had to cede Finland to Russia. The changes due to the separation were at the same time also creating the basis for the future Finnish independence. Sweden's current government system dates to 1809, the same does the Parliamentary Ombudsman and the Committee on the Constitution.

Both Sweden and Finland will observe that 2009 marks 200 years since partition, both the official Sweden and Finland have planned various activities that will show the history of the partition but also point out the close connection between the two countries.

The partition of Sweden and Finland had consequences outside the two countries. Due to the loss of Finland Sweden set its sight on Norway and engaged in the Napoleonic Wars against France and its ally Denmark–Norway, this led to that the union between Denmark and Norway was dissolved and Norway came under Swedish rule from 1814.

External links

* [http://www.markesaret1809.se/ Swedish official website for Märkesåret 1809 (swedish)]
* [http://www.1809.fi/ Finnish official website for Märkesåret 1809 (finnish)]