THE FINNISH DETACHED CORPS OF THE RUSSIAN ARMY (1815–1831)

Abstract

The article is devoted to the military formations of the Russian army that were located in the territory of Grand Duchy of Finland in 1815–1835. The Army was a very important tool for the consolidation of the Russian Empire. With the help of this instrument, Russian authorities sought to prevent invasion of the Swedish army and control political life of Grand Duchy of Finland. This was achieved by combining the administrative (Governor-General) and military power (the Detached Corps of Finland) in the hands of one person. Owing to this system, Finns enjoyed autonomy, but at the same time were subject to continuing control of the Governor-General. The disbandment of the Detached Corps of Finland was caused by the absence of a military threat from the Kingdom of Sweden, as well as by the loyalty of the Finns themselves to the Russian administration. However, the Governor-general continued to use the power of the Commander of the Detached Corps for political purposes.