The Democratic Way 7: The Statue of Snellman & the Bank of Finland

Summary

The statue of Johann Wilhelm Snellman, known as the father of Finnish currency, stands as a symbol of democracy in Helsinki, Finland. Despite damage from WWII bombings, it commemorates Snellman's pivotal role in drafting the 1863 Diet of Finland agenda, leading to the establishment of the Finnish mark and significant societal reforms. His efforts in education and language recognition laid the foundation for modern Finland, with improved infrastructure and a grammar school system.

Takeaways

• 🗝️ The statue of Johann Wilhelm Snellman stands opposite the House of the Estates and in front of the Bank of Finland, symbolizing Finnish democracy.
• 🏛️ The plinth of the statue shows damage from aerial bombings during World War II, reflecting the resilience of Finnish democracy through hardships.
• 📚 Snellman was a strong advocate for Finnish education and a pioneer in shaping the modern national society of Finland.
• 📝 He was tasked with drafting the agenda for the 1863 Diet of Finland, aligning with Alexander II's program of renewal.
• 💼 Snellman's efforts led to the currency reform that established the Finnish mark as the country's own currency.
• 🛣️ The Diet of Finland resulted in the construction of roads, canals, railroads, and hospitals, marking significant infrastructural development.
• 🏫 The creation of the grammar school system was a direct outcome of the reforms initiated during the Diet of Finland.
• 🗣️ The Finnish language gained official status, ensuring that citizens could be educated and interact with the government in their native language.
• 🏛️ Municipal self-rule was established, allowing every citizen to engage with local governance.
• 🌐 The reforms spearheaded by Snellman laid the foundation for a modern, educated, and self-governing Finnish society.

Q & A

Who is Johann Wilhelm Snellman and what is he known for?

Johann Wilhelm Snellman is a significant figure in Finnish history, known as the father of Finnish currency. He was an advocate for Finnish education and a pioneer of the modern national society.

What is the significance of the statue of Snellman located opposite the House of the Estates?

The statue of Snellman, created by Irmal Vickstrom, stands as a symbol of Finnish democracy and has withstood difficult times, including the damage to its plinth caused by aerial bombing during World War II.

What event is Snellman associated with that took place in 1863?

Snellman was appointed to draft the agenda for the 1863 Diet of Finland, which was a significant event in the country's history.

What was the impact of Alexander II's program of renewal on Snellman's work?

In the spirit of Alexander II's program of renewal, Snellman pushed through the currency reform necessary to establish Finland's own currency, the Finnish mark.

What were some of the outcomes of the Diet of Finland in 1863 as mentioned in the script?

The Diet of Finland in 1863 resulted in the construction of roads, canals, railroads, and hospitals, the creation of the grammar school system, official status for the Finnish language, and the establishment of the basis for municipal self-rule.

How did the reforms of the 1863 Diet of Finland affect the citizens' interaction with the government?

The reforms allowed every citizen to interact with the government and be educated in their own language, thus enhancing civic participation and national identity.

What role did Snellman play in the advancement of Finnish education?

Snellman was a strong advocate for Finnish education, which contributed to the development of the grammar school system and the promotion of the Finnish language.

What is the historical significance of the Finnish mark in relation to Snellman's work?

The establishment of the Finnish mark as the country's own currency was a significant outcome of Snellman's efforts in currency reform, symbolizing Finland's economic independence and national identity.

How did the aerial bombing of Helsinki during World War II affect the statue of Snellman?

The aerial bombing during World War II caused damage to the plinth of Snellman's statue, which serves as a reminder of the hardships endured by the Finnish people during that period.

What does the damaged plinth of Snellman's statue symbolize?

The damaged plinth of Snellman's statue symbolizes the resilience of Finnish democracy and the nation's ability to withstand and recover from challenging times.

What was the role of municipal self-rule in the context of the 1863 Diet of Finland?

The basis for municipal self-rule created by the 1863 Diet of Finland allowed for local governance and community involvement in decision-making processes, enhancing the democratic structure of the country.