Independence
The history of Finland is an example of how the development of statehood begins before actual independence. Before declaring its independence, Finland possessed many characteristics of a state, even if the decision-making power was held by the Russian Tsar. In the wake of the events of the First World War and the Russian Revolution, the Parliament of Finland adopted the Declaration of Finnish Independence on 6 December 1917.
Finland immediately dispatched requests for the recognition of her independence to Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. They decided to wait, however, for the recognition of Russia. This arrived[or “occurred”] on 31 December 1917. After this, other states, one by one, gradually recognisedFinland’s independence. By the end of 1919, Finland had been recognised by 29 states. The process was slowed down by the entry of German troops in spring 1918. Many were concerned that Finland would not be able to retain its independence and that it would become a vassal state of Germany.
Finland’s state status was ultimately secured by its entry into the League of Nations. Finland’s membership was accepted on 16 December 1920. The following year, the League of Nations determined that the Åland Islands belonged to Finland.