Аннотация:Colonialism is often understood as control of a geographical area overseas obtained by invasion or settlement.As Finland only gained independence in 1917 and never held any overseas colonies, Finns have been able to claim innocence and non-involvement in colonialism and colonialist practices.The Finnish nation has historically been positioned in Europe between western and eastern empires.Finland was part of the Swedish Realm 1 from c. 1150 to 1809 and occupied a subordinate position as the Grand Duchy of the Russian Empire from 1809 until 1917, when Finland declared itself independent.This subordinate position has contributed to the commonly held view that the Finns have been victims of colonization, rather than colonizers or even beneficiaries of colonial practices.Vocal criticism of Russia's imperialist policies did arise within Finland under the 1 Known in 1611-1721 as the Swedish Empire.
