The Grand Duchy of Finland (1809–1917) was a crucial period in Finnish history, marking Finland's transition from being a part of Sweden to an autonomous entity within the Russian Empire. This period began after the Finnish War (1808–1809), when Russia, following the Treaty of Fredrikshamn, annexed Finland from Sweden. Tsar Alexander I granted Finland significant autonomy, pledging to maintain its laws, religion, and liberties, and added the title of "Grand Duke of Finland" to his list.
Finland was allowed to retain its own legal and governmental structures, with the Senate of Finland functioning as its highest governing body. The capital was moved from Turku to Helsinki in 1812, further consolidating Russian influence while also appeasing the Finns. For much of the 19th century, Finland enjoyed a peaceful period of self-governance, marked by slow economic growth and industrialization, especially under the reign of Alexander II (1855–1881).
However, toward the end of the 19th century, tensions grew as Russia began implementing policies of Russification, aiming to reduce Finnish autonomy and integrate the region more closely with the Russian Empire. These efforts were met with Finnish resistance and unrest, which culminated during World War I. The Russian Empire's collapse in 1917, amid the turmoil of the Russian Revolution, allowed Finland to declare its independence, ending the era of the Grand Duchy and beginning its path as a fully sovereign state. This period laid the foundation for modern Finnish governance, law, and national identity, balancing influences from both the East and West.