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 enthusiastic towards Ålanders plea swedish support, activists had lost political influence in 1916, , ear of king gustav v. representatives Ålanders fed sympathetic words , empty phrases. neither liberals nor socialists leading sweden through last year of world war slightest bit interested in had activist adventurous policies; king agreed cabinet on point.

the finnish civil war starting in january 1918, did not change situation. sweden s social democrats had year before purged revolutionaries party, , sympathetic unsupportive of socialist republic in finland. coalition partners in cabinet, liberals, rather inclined sympathize white government in finland, traditionally neutralist , additionally rather suspicious of finnish counterparts. non-socialists in finland not ardent fennomans seemed swedish liberals more conservatives used viewing political enemies.

exaggerated reports of civilian apprehension concerning approaching combatants of civil war resulted, however, in dispatch of minor swedish naval expedition, tasked evacuating civilians wished it. turned out no civilians wished evacuation, naval commander proudly brokered end hostilities , remained on main island peace-keeping force. evident chain of command considerably more inclined towards activism socialist minister of defence, in turn persuaded considerably more supportive of intervention cabinet colleagues. less clear degree other cabinet members briefed in between cabinet meetings, or whether had say. stockholm did not perceive of moment, , happened unintended government , well-intentioned naval officer in charge.

the white government in vaasa saw differently. bitter on lack of support sweden against socialist rebels, , informed activist desires re-acquire Åland islands, since many of swedish military officers volunteered come white finland s support close leading activists. white government alarmed entry of swedish troops on finland s soil, , suspicious of sweden s socialist minister of defence. german naval force urgently asked remove swedish troops Åland.