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

SuomenEduskunta

5 Sept 201301:47

Summary

TLDRThe 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.

Outlines

00:00

🗽 Statue of Johann Wilhelm Snellman: Finnish Democracy's Symbol

The script introduces the statue of Johann Wilhelm Snellman, located opposite the House of the Estates and in front of the Bank of Finland, which symbolizes Finnish democracy. Despite being damaged by aerial bombings during WWII, the monument stands as a testament to Snellman's contributions. As a promoter of Finnish education and a pioneer for a modern national society, Snellman was instrumental in drafting the agenda for the 1863 Diet of Finland, advocating for the establishment of the Finnish mark as the country's currency. His efforts led to the construction of infrastructure and the development of the grammar school system, the official status of the Finnish language, and the foundation of municipal self-rule, allowing citizens to interact with the government and receive education in their native language.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Johann Wilhelm Snellman

Johann Wilhelm Snellman is a significant historical figure in the script, recognized as the 'father of Finnish currency.' He was a Finnish statesman and philosopher who played a crucial role in the development of modern Finland. His advocacy for Finnish education and the establishment of a national identity is highlighted in the video, showing his importance in shaping the country's identity and economy.

💡Finnish Currency

The term 'Finnish Currency' refers to the monetary system of Finland. In the script, it is mentioned that Snellman was instrumental in the currency reform that led to the establishment of the Finnish mark, which was a significant step towards economic independence and national identity. The currency is a symbol of a country's sovereignty and economic stability.

💡1863 Diet of Finland

The '1863 Diet of Finland' was a significant political event where Snellman was appointed to draft the agenda. This assembly was part of the broader Russian Empire's efforts at the time to modernize and reform its territories. In the context of the video, the Diet led to important developments such as the establishment of the Finnish mark and the construction of infrastructure, which were crucial for Finland's progress.

💡Currency Reform

Currency reform in the script refers to the changes made to establish a country's own currency. For Finland, this meant moving from using the Russian ruble to having its own currency, the Finnish mark. This reform was a key part of Snellman's agenda and symbolizes the country's move towards greater autonomy and self-governance.

💡Infrastructure

The script mentions the construction of 'roads, canals, railroads, and hospitals' as a result of the 1863 Diet of Finland. Infrastructure development is a critical component of a nation's growth and modernization. It not only facilitates transportation and communication but also supports public health and economic development.

💡Grammar School System

The creation of the 'grammar school system' in Finland is highlighted as an outcome of the reforms initiated by Snellman. Education systems are fundamental to a nation's development, providing a structured approach to learning and ensuring that citizens are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for societal progress.

💡Official Status of Finnish Language

The script notes that the Finnish language received 'official status' as a result of the reforms. Language is a core element of national identity, and giving it official status is a recognition of the culture and history of the Finnish people. It also ensures that government services and education are accessible in the native language of the citizens.

💡Municipal Self-Rule

The concept of 'municipal self-rule' in the script refers to the autonomy given to local governments to manage their own affairs. This is a key aspect of democratic governance, allowing for more direct citizen participation in decision-making processes and fostering a sense of community and local identity.

💡Finnish Democracy

The script describes the statue of Snellman as a 'symbol of Finnish democracy.' Democracy is a system of government where power is vested in the people, who either directly or through elected representatives can make decisions on public policy. The video suggests that Snellman's contributions were instrumental in the development of democratic institutions in Finland.

💡Second World War

The 'Second World War' is mentioned in the context of the damage to the statue's plinth caused by aerial bombing of Helsinki. This historical event serves as a reminder of the resilience of Finnish democracy and the enduring nature of its symbols, even in the face of conflict and destruction.

💡Statue of Irmal Vickstrom

The 'Statue of Irmal Vickstrom' is a physical representation of the video's theme, honoring Johann Wilhelm Snellman. Statues often serve as public commemorations of significant individuals or events, and in this case, it stands as a testament to Snellman's contributions to Finnish society and his role in shaping its democratic and economic foundations.

Highlights

Irmal Vickstrom's statue of Johann Wilhelm Snellman stands opposite the House of the Estates in front of the Bank of Finland.

Johann Wilhelm Snellman is known as the father of Finnish currency.

The statue symbolizes Finnish democracy and has withstood the test of time, including damage from aerial bombing during WWII.

Snellman was an advocate for Finnish education and a pioneer in the development of a modern national society.

He was appointed to draft the agenda for the 1863 Diet of Finland, reflecting Alexander II's program of renewal.

Snellman pushed for currency reform, leading to the establishment of Finland's own currency, the Finnish mark.

The Diet of Finland resulted in the construction of roads, canals, railroads, and hospitals.

The grammar school system was created as a result of the reforms initiated by Snellman.

The Finnish language gained official status, ensuring citizens could be educated in their native tongue.

The basis for municipal self-rule was established, allowing citizens to interact with the government.

The statue's damaged plinth serves as a reminder of Helsinki's resilience during WWII.

Snellman's contributions to Finnish society are commemorated through the grand monument.

The statue's location in front of the Bank of Finland underscores its significance in the country's financial history.

The reforms initiated by Snellman laid the foundation for modern Finland's educational and governmental systems.

The 1863 Diet of Finland marked a turning point in the country's path towards modernization and self-governance.

Snellman's vision for a unified and educated Finland is reflected in the nation's current societal structure.

The statue of Snellman is a testament to the enduring legacy of his ideas and contributions to Finnish democracy.