Finland's Great Famine, 1856-68

The Great Finnish Famine of the 1860s was a devastating famine that affected 8% of the Finnish population. Despite being a part of the Russian Empire, Finland was largely responsible for its own governance and was developing its economic, political, and cultural autonomy. The book examines key themes such as the use of emergency foods, domestic and overseas charity, vagrancy and crime, emergency relief works, and emigration.

Format: Hardback
Length: 319 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

The Great Finnish Famine of the 1860s, one of European history's most devastating famines, is explored in this book. In 1868, a year marked by the culmination of several years of deteriorating economic conditions, a staggering 137,000 people (approximately 8% of the Finnish population) succumbed to hunger and disease. The attitudes and policies implemented by Finland's devolved administration, influenced by European norms, often mirrored the "colonial" practices observed in other famines of the time. What sets this catastrophe apart in the mid-nineteenth century is that, despite being a part of the Russian Empire, Finland had a significant degree of self-governance and was actively pursuing economic, political, and cultural autonomy at the time of the famine. Finlands Great Famine 1856-68 delves into various themes, including the utilization of emergency foods, domestic and international charity efforts, vagrancy and crime, emergency relief works, and emigration.

The famine struck Finland during a period of economic decline, exacerbated by factors such as a decline in agricultural productivity, a lack of trade opportunities, and political instability. The Russian Empire, which ruled Finland at the time, implemented policies that exacerbated the crisis, including tax increases and restrictions on trade. These policies led to a decrease in the availability of food and other essential goods, and many people were left struggling to survive.

The response to the famine was characterized by a combination of government measures and private charity. The government provided emergency relief in the form of food and medical supplies, but it was often inadequate and delayed. Private charities, both domestic and international, played a crucial role in providing aid to the affected population.

One of the most striking aspects of the famine was the level of emigration that occurred. Many people, unable to cope with the harsh conditions, left their homes in search of better opportunities elsewhere. This emigration led to a significant loss of human capital and contributed to the economic and social decline of Finland.

The famine also had long-lasting effects on Finnish society. It led to a rise in poverty and inequality, and it contributed to the development of a stronger sense of national identity and a desire for independence. The famine also highlighted the importance of government intervention in addressing social and economic problems, and it led to the establishment of social welfare programs that continue to benefit Finland today.

In conclusion, the Great Finnish Famine of the 1860s was a devastating event that had a profound impact on Finnish society. It was a reminder of the importance of government intervention in addressing social and economic problems, and it led to the development of social welfare programs that continue to benefit Finland today. The famine also highlighted the resilience and determination of the Finnish people in the face of adversity, and it contributed to the development of a stronger sense of national identity and a desire for independence.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031194733
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023