Finnish famine of 1866–1868

Detaching inner bark of pine

Finnish Famine of 1866–1868

The Finnish famine of 1866–1868 was a severe famine that affected the Grand Duchy of Finland, then part of the Russian Empire. It is considered one of the last major famines in Europe, resulting in the deaths of approximately 15% of the Finnish population.

Causes

The famine was primarily caused by a series of poor harvests due to adverse weather conditions. The summer of 1866 was exceptionally cold and rainy, leading to crop failures. The following winter was harsh, and the summer of 1867 saw a continuation of poor weather, further exacerbating the food shortage. Additionally, the economic structure of Finland at the time was heavily reliant on agriculture, making the population particularly vulnerable to crop failures.

Impact

The famine had a devastating impact on the Finnish population. It is estimated that around 150,000 people died as a result of starvation and related diseases. The famine also led to widespread malnutrition, which had long-term health effects on the survivors. The social structure of Finland was significantly affected, with many families losing their primary breadwinners.

Government Response

The response of the Russian Empire's government was criticized for being slow and inadequate. Relief efforts were hampered by poor infrastructure and the remote location of many affected areas. The government did eventually provide some aid, including the importation of grain, but these measures were often too little, too late.

Long-term Effects

The Finnish famine of 1866–1868 had lasting effects on Finnish society and policy. It highlighted the need for better agricultural practices and infrastructure improvements. In the years following the famine, there were significant efforts to modernize Finnish agriculture and improve food security. The famine also played a role in the growing sense of Finnish national identity and the push for greater autonomy from the Russian Empire.

See Also

• Great Famine (Ireland)
• Holodomor
• List of famines
• History of Finland