Timeline of the Finnish War facts for kids

The Finnish War was a big conflict between Sweden and Russia that happened between 1808 and 1809. Most of the fighting took place in Finland, which was then part of Sweden. This war changed the map of Europe and had a huge impact on Finland's future. This timeline shows the main events and battles of the war, using dates from the Western European calendar.

The War Begins: 1808

The year 1808 saw the start of the war and many important battles. Russia quickly moved into Finland, taking control of key areas.

Russian Invasion and Early Victories

• February 21, 1808: The Russian army crosses the border into Finland. They cross the Kymi river near Hamina very early in the morning. This marks the official start of the war.
• March/April, 1808: Russian forces spread out. They take control of important cities like Kuopio, Tampere, and Jakobstad.
• March 18, 1808: The Russian army captures the Svartholm fortress in Loviisa. This was an important stronghold.
• March 21, 1808: Russian troops take over the Hanko Peninsula. This gave them control of a key coastal area.
• March 22, 1808: The city of Turku falls to the Russian army. Turku was a very important city in Finland at the time.

The Fall of Suomenlinna

• April 6, 1808: Carl Olof Cronstedt, the commander of the powerful Suomenlinna fortress, starts talking with the Russian army.
• May 3, 1808: The Siege of Sveaborg (Suomenlinna) ends. The fortress, located near Helsinki, surrenders to the Russians. This was a major loss for Sweden.

Early Battles and Swedish Resistance

Even though the Russians were advancing, Swedish and Finnish forces fought back in several battles.

• April 16, 1808: The Battle of Pyhäjoki takes place.
• April 18, 1808: The Battle of Siikajoki occurs.
• April 27, 1808: The Battle of Revolax is fought.
• May 2, 1808: The Battle of Pulkkila happens.
• May 9, 1808: The Battle of Kumlinge takes place.
• June 19–20, 1808: The Battle of Lemo is fought.
• June 24, 1808: The Battle of Nykarleby occurs in Nykarleby.
• June 25, 1808: The Battle of Vaasa takes place in Vaasa.
• June 30, 1808: The Battle of Rimito Kramp is fought.
• July 11, 1808: The Battle of Kokonsaari happens.
• July 14, 1808: The Battle of Lapua takes place.

Political Moves and More Battles

• June, 1808: Emperor Alexander I of Russia calls for elections. He invites Finnish representatives to meet in Saint Petersburg. These deputies are led by Carl Erik Mannerheim. This was a step towards Finland becoming part of Russia.
• August 2–3, 1808: The Battle of Sandöström occurs.
• August 10, 1808: The Battle of Kauhajoki is fought.
• August 17, 1808: The Battle of Alavus takes place.
• August 21, 1808: The Battle of Karstula happens in Karstula.
• August 28, 1808: The Battle of Lappfjärd is fought.
• August 30, 1808: The Battle of Grönvikssund takes place.
• September 1, 1808: The Battle of Ruona occurs.
• September 2, 1808: The Battle of Salmi is fought.
• September 6, 1808: The Battle of Ömossa takes place in Ömossa.
• September 13, 1808: The Battle of Jutas occurs near Nykarleby.
• September 14, 1808: The major Battle of Oravais is fought in Oravais. This was one of the most important battles of the war.
• September 18, 1808: The Battle of Palva Sund takes place.
• September 29, 1808: The Truce of Lohteå is agreed upon, a temporary stop in fighting.
• October 27, 1808: The Battle of Koljonvirta occurs.
• November 10, 1808: A notable event known as The Moonlight Raid takes place.
• November 19, 1808: The Convention of Olkijoki is signed. This agreement means the Finnish army has to retreat north of the Kemi River.

The War Ends: 1809

The year 1809 saw the final stages of the war, including important political meetings and the peace treaty.

Final Battles and Agreements

• March 21, 1809: The Convention of Åland is signed.
• March 25, 1809: The Convention of Seivis/Kalix is agreed upon, following Russian navy actions in the Gulf of Bothnia.
• March 25 - July 19, 1809: The Diet of Porvoo takes place. This was a very important meeting where the Finnish estates (groups of people) swore loyalty to the Russian Emperor, and Finland became an autonomous Grand Duchy under Russia.
• May 15, 1809: An encounter happens at Skellefteå.
• July 5–6, 1809: The Battle of Hörnefors is fought.
• August 19, 1809: The Battle of Sävar occurs.
• August 20, 1809: The Battle of Ratan takes place.
• August 25, 1809: The Battle of Piteå is fought in Piteå.

The End of the War

• September 2, 1809: The Truce of Frostkåge gästgivargård is signed, leading to a ceasefire.
• September 17, 1809: The Treaty of Fredrikshamn is signed. This official peace treaty ends the Finnish War. Sweden gives up Finland and some other areas to Russia. This marked the end of Swedish rule in Finland and the beginning of Finland's time as a part of the Russian Empire.