Description

In 2007 Finland celebrated the 90th anniversary of its independence. After the 1917 February Revolution, the position of Finland as part of the Russian Empire was questioned. Since the head of state was the tsar of Russia, it was not clear who the chief executive of Finland was after the revolution. After the abdication of Grand Duke Nicholas II on 2 March (15 March N.S.) 1917, the personal union between Russia and Finland lost its legal base – at least according to the view in Helsinki. There were negotiations between the Russian Provisional Government and Finnish authorities.

On 2 November (15 November N.S.) 1917, Vladimir Lenin declared a general right of self-determination, including the right of complete secession, "for the Peoples of Russia". On the same day the Finnish Parliament issued a declaration by which it assumed, pro tempore, all powers of the Sovereign in Finland.

Engraver: Reijo Juhani Paavilainen