History of Åland

The history of the Åland Islands spans more than six thousand years, from early human settlement to modern autonomy within Finland. Archaeological finds show that the islands have been inhabited continuously since the Neolithic period. Several Bronze Age sites and six hillforts from the Viking Age have been found on the islands.

Åland came under Swedish rule in the 13th century and remained under Swedish control until 1809, when the Russian Empire annexed both Finland and Åland. During the 19th century the islands were demilitarised and neutralised, and they stayed part of the Russian Empire until Finland declared independence in 1917.

In 1918, during the Finnish Civil War, Swedish and German forces intervened to protect civilians and secure control of the islands. The League of Nations resolved the Åland question in 1921, confirming Åland as part of Finland and granting the islands lasting autonomy while reaffirming their demilitarised status.

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