Military crisis Åland Islands dispute
in december 1917, fearing effects of russian october revolution, finnish parliament proclaimed finland sovereign state, calling on principles of national self-determination. same autumn, Ålanders had organized own self-determination, fearing saw excessive expressions of pro-finnishness , anti-swedishness in finland. time, above 90% of islands inhabitants considered swedish, stationed military personnel excluded, in contrast mainland finland, less 15% swedish-speaking. unlike in Åland, in previous twenty years social tensions had worsened considerably in finland. Ålanders answer wish secession grand duchy of finland , russian empire, felt little affiliation, , request annexation sweden. sweden s power elite was, however, preoccupied sweden s democratization commenced conservative cabinet in order quench revolutionary currents among swedish workers. effect, sweden got new liberal prime minister, , first time socialists in cabinet. although activist circles close royal court enthusiasti...