What do we teach about Sweden?

1. What do we teach about Sweden?

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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