Page 43 - Handout

The Swedish Kingdom’s Great Power Era in Central Europe, 1630-1814 Sweden’s end as a Great Power in Central Europe but remained as one in Northern Europe, 1808-1814 Sweden could not hold back for many years and is The today’s Swedish borders are the major result from forced into Napoleon’s Continental system 1810. This the Napoleonic wars and so far the last Swedish wars. was de facto the end of the Great Power era in Central Europe. In 1812 Sweden allied with United Kingdom and Russia against Napoleon, France and his allies. In the coming years Napoleon and his allies is defeated. The Finnish War 1808-1809 At the Peace Treaty of Tilsit July 7-9, 1807 Russia joined the main Åland Islands were attacked by ship borne the Continental system (ally with France) against Russian troops. England and Sweden. As Sweden refused to join the Continental system Russia declared war against Sweden. During the summer Sweden made an offensive to reach south of Finland but in the autumn had to retreat back The Finnish units are few in the beginning of the war north again and in 1809 had Russia occupied all Finland. and are forced to retreat to the north western Finland. In the Peace Treaty signed September 27, 1809 in April 12, 1808 was the eastern Åland Islands reached by Fredrikshamn Russia received all of Finland. a Russian force of approx. 700 soldiers and in early May 1808 Paid letter by Sw. Royal Mail, Sw. FPO Åland - Norrtelje... ...with listing nr “1”, dated Southern Finby June 1, 1808. In May 1808 a Swedish Field Post Office for the Coastal Army opened in Eckerö, Åland. The postal rates of Castellholm was used. Appointed field postmaster was Abraham Sjölin. The Sw. FPO was moved to Grisslehamn, Sweden in March 1809. Actual conveyance distance 6-12 Mihl from Eckerö cost 2 sk.bco. 3 runstycken. The difference was used to operate the FPO. 3 skilling banco for conveyance distance 12-20 Mihl (128.26-213.77 km) for a letter -1¼ lod (=16.6g.) May 1, 1807 - (Jul. 23,) 1810. uu uu Finland (Sweden) 1808 uu Åbo uu Helsingfors SWEDEN RUSSIA 1808 uu The letter route Stockholm uu Enemy forces Duration: Feb. 17, 1808 - Sep. 17, 1809 Main area: Finland & Åland Enemy: Russia Sw. militaries: approx. 22000