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The Finnish War was fought between Sweden and Russia from February 1808 to September 1809. As a result of the war, the eastern third of Sweden was established as the semi-autonomous Grand Duchy of Finland, according to the Finns in personal union with Imperial Russia. Another notable effect was the Swedish parliament's adoption of a new constitution and a new royal house, that of Bernadotte.

1 Background

In the treaty of Tilsit in 1807 Napoleon and the Russian tzar Alexander I decided that Russia should force Sweden to join the Continental System.

2 The war

On February 21, 1808 Russian troops crossed the border. At the same time southern Sweden was threatened by an attack from Denmark. The plan of the Swedish army under Johan Adam Cronstedt was to retreat into Ostrobothnia leaving only the strongly fortified Sveaborg behind. The fort surrendered although there was enough ammunition and food to last several months.

Under a new commander Carl Johan Adlercreutz , the Swedish army counter-attacked and halted the Russian offensive at the Battle of Siikajoki . Although the Swedes were successful for a while they didn't receive the reinforcements that were needed. Adlercreutz fought a defensive battle at Oravais, but lost and was forced to retreat. The day before Georg Carl von DöbelnAlbert Edelfelt Baron Georg Carl von Dobeln ( April 29 1758- 16 February 1820) was a Swedish soldier. As a lieutenant, Dobeln took part in Gustav III's Russian War and was wounded in the head in at the Battle of Porrassalami. The wound didn't heal and he had won the legendary Battle of Jutas .

On November 19November 19 is the 323rd day of the year (324th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 42 days remaining. Events 461 St. Hilarius becomes Pope. 1493 Christopher Columbus becomes the first European to go ashore on an island he only saw for the the convention of Olkijoki was signed and the Swedish army was forced to leave Finland.

3 Battles



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