We celebrate Independence day in Finland, today, Dec 6th. Finland got independence from Russia in 1917, after a century under their rule. Sweden had to give away their eastern part, namely Finland, in 1809, because they lost a war against Russia. Sweden was formed as a nation state in the 12th century, and Finland (that wasn't a nation and had very few inhabitants) was incorporated. So we were not oppressed by Sweden, but we were Sweden. Almost 700 years of being a part of Sweden, explains why people like me still speak Swedish in Finland. Unfortunately we have endured several wars during the 20th century. The pictures are from WW2.