What do we teach about Sweden?

Finland as a part of Sweden

• In general Sweden is described as superior and forward-looking and progressive compared to Finland

• Many good things are said to come to Finland from Sweden• When Sweden conquered Finland (12th century), Finland became

westernized and converted to Christianity, e.g laws were got through Sweden from Western Europe (originally Roman laws)

• Finland was a part of catholic church, but in the 16th century in the era of Gustaf Vasa Finland became Lutheran

• Finland and Finns had to participate many wars whether they wanted or not because of its geopolitical position between Sweden and Russia, between west and east

• It is usually said that Finland’s proportion to army was always larger than Sweden’s proportion in comparison with populations

• Sweden in the 18th century is told to become weaker and weaker to defend Finland against the growing threat of Russia

Sweden in the 19th and 20th centuries

• For a long time Finns had close relations to Sweden especially in cultural sense

• At the beginning of the independence of Finland there were a quarrel between Finland and Sweden concerning the possession of Åland Islands and then there were some language quarrels between Finnish- and Swedish-speaking people

• When Finland became independent it had to create diplomatic relations to different countries; Sweden was the country where presidents visited to

• Before the WWII there were some secret plans to join the armies of Finland and Sweden

• Some 10 000 Swedish men came as volunteers to take part in Finland’s Winter War

• At wartime many Finnish children were sent to Sweden so that they could avoid the difficult time in Finland

Sweden in the 19th and 20th centuries

• After the war Finland’s relationship with Sweden and other Scandinavian countries became closer; for example Finland was accepted as a member of the Nordic Council in 1955

• In many things Sweden was an example to Finland; e.g. comprehensive school, welfare state

• Immigration to Sweden in 1950’s and 1960’s• Nowadays Finland is a member of European union and Sweden has

lost its position as a role model

Approaches to Swedish history in history teaching

• Swedish history is taught parallel with Finnish history when Finland is part of the Sweden (until 1809)– The approach is quite balanced between political history and social,

economic and cultural history. > This emphasis Finland’s links to Western Europe

• Swedish history during the 19th and 20th century is taught when it touches on Finnish history– The stress is now on political history and international relations

– Sweden is presented in positive way: political neutrality and welfare state

– These are seen as an aim for Finland too > This emphasis Finland’s links to Scandinavian countries

– The political problems (e.g. The Aland Islands) are toned down as part of Finnish nation building

– The social issues, like the problems of Finnish immigrants in Sweden in the1960’s and 70’s, are passed over with a few words