Under Swedish rule Finland was presented the Scandinavian Legal and Social systems. This also led to the founding of Turku in the 14th century and later, in 1640, to the founding of Finland's first University, Turku Academy. Today we know it as Helsinki University.
In Sweden's era as a great power (1617-1721), it dominated the Baltic region and Finland's eastern border stretched further and further east. But the Great Northern War in 1700-1721 caused the Swedish power to collapse and Russia occupied Finland in 1714. That began the era known as the Great Wrath, ending in 1721. In the Peace of Turku in 1743 however, Russia retreated, but with considerable territorial losses to Finland.
Sweden begun to fortify Finland and one of the greatest projects was the founding of Viapori, also known as the Gibraltar of the North, in 1747. In 1808 The Russian Czar Alexander I launched an attack and finally defeated the Finnish army. Peace was concluded in 1809 and Finland annexed to Russia. Finland now became an Autonomous Grand Duchy with a governor-general representing the Czar.
During the reign of czar Alexander III (1881-1894) fanatic Russian Pan- Slavists began to turn their eyes on Finland, and with the accession of czar Nicholas II (1894-1917) they began to systematically diminish Finnish autonomy. Then during the second period of oppression (1908- 1914) russification was extended and Finnish organs of government fell into Russian hands.
During World War I separatist intentions strengthened in Finland. After the October Revelation the Finnish Senate, led by P.E. Svinhufvud, declared Finland independent on December 6th, 1917. Things were not that simple however, and a civil war broke out tearing the nation apart for four months.
In 1939, over territorial issues, Finland entered a war known as Winter War with Soviet Union. It lasted for 100 days and at peace negotiations Finland was forced to cede vast areas in the east. In 1941, as a result of Germany's attack on Russia, Finland entered another war with Soviet Union. Peace was made in 1944 and Finland had to cede even more land to the Soviet Union and agreed to expel the German soldiers from Lapland. Thus Finland found itself in war with Germany during 1944-45. There were also heavy war reparations to be paid to Russia. Finland paid them off in less than ten years and those actually triggered off modern Finnish industry.
During the next years Finland proceeded pursuing a neutral foreign policy, also known as the Paasikivi Line. The Olympic Games were held in Helsinki in 1952 and in 1955 Finland became a member of the United Nations and the Nordic Council. The conference on Security and Co- operation in Europe was held in Helsinki in 1975 and in 1995 Finland became a member of the European Union.