Under Russian rule 1809 - 1917
When the Swedish-Russian war ended in 1809 Finland became an autonomous Grand Duchy within the Russian Empire with the Russian Emperor as the Grand Duke. The Governor General was the emperors representative in Finland. Finland kept its monetary and postal privilege. The Russian currency (Rouble) was implemented as new currency according to manifesto of April 9. 1840. Because of the Crimean War FinlandŐs Bank hade to take large losses, when Russian banknotes lost significant value. On April 4. 1860 Finnish currency Markka was implemented. The World Post Convention was enforced on July 1. 1875, and Finland changed their foreign rates accordingly. Finland became member of the UPU from 1884 and issued stamps with new colours in 1885. According to the Imperial Postal Manifesto of June 12. 1890 the highest direction of the Finnish Post was transferred to the Russian Minister of Interior. From January 1. 1891 Russian currency was valid within Finland.
Independence and Republic
By the March revolution in Russia in 1917 the tsar had to step down and a provisional government was established. This government invalidated the 1890 manifesto and regained FinlandŐs old position as an autonomous Grand Duchy. At October 1st new stamps with the National Coat of Arms motive were issued. On December 6th 1917 after the Russian October revolution the Finnish Parliament approved the declaration of independence drawn up by the Senate. Late January 1918 the leftwing parties staged a coup, which led to a civil war ending in May 1918 with victory to the government troops. Finland became a member of the Universal Postal Union as an independent state on February 12th 1918. Finally Finland became a republic from summer 1919, with K. J. Ståhlberg elected as the first president.
