20th century
1915 Russian troops are moved to Åland. Coastal
batteries and field fortifications are built, despite the demilitarized
status of Åland.
1917 The Russian Revolution. The desire of the Ålanders
for reunion with Sweden is announced publicly for the first time at a
meeting at the Folk High School on 20 August. Finland proclaims its
independence on 6 December.
1918 The Civil War affects Åland. Fighting in the region
of Godby between the Red Guard and the Nystad Corps. Swedish troops of
about 600 men land and commence negotiations to prevent further clashes.
A German naval squadron intervenes, after which all military units leave
Åland. A non-legalized "Parliament" is constituted.
1919 A deputation of three Åland representatives submits
the cause of Åland at the peace conference in Paris.
1920 The Parliament of Finland adopts an autonomy act
for Åland. The non-legalized Åland Parliament attends upon the Swedish
Government and declares that Åland still adheres to the concept of
reunion. The Åland leaders Julius Sundblom and Carl Björkman are
prosecuted for high treason and are imprisoned. On the initiative of
England the Åland Islands question is referred to the Council of the
League of Nations.
1921 The Åland Islands question is settled in the
Council of the League of Nations. Finland is awarded sovereignty over
the Åland Islands. Åland receives autonomy and guarantees for the
preservation of its language, culture and local customs. Ten States sign
a convention on the demilitarization and neutralization of Åland.
1922 Application of the Autonomy Act from 1920 begins. A
Legislative Assembly, Landsting, is elected, with Julius Sundblom as
Speaker. The Landsting assembles for the first time on 9 June, now
Åland’s Autonomy Day.
1934 The Åland Administration of Antiquities is
established. Opening of The Åland Museum.
1935 The Åland Nautical Club is founded, assigned to set
up a Maritime Museum for Åland.
1938 The Ålanders protest vigorously against plans of
Sweden and Finland to fortify Åland according to the Stockholm Plan.
Those plans are shelved because of opposition from the Soviet Union.
1939-44 Åland is mainly spared from military operations.
During two separate periods fortifications are built in several places
in Åland but are demolished directly after the end of the war.
1951 A revised Autonomy Act is adopted.
1952 The four-masted barque Pommern is donated to the
City of Mariehamn by descendants of Gustaf Eriksson, the shipowner who
built the world´s largest sailing fleet between the First and Second
World War.
1954 Åland receives its own flag.
1970 Åland becomes a member of the Nordic Council.
1978 The Autonomy Building, domicile of The Åland
Parliament and Government, is inaugurated.
1984 The first Åland postage stamps are issued.
1988 Appointment of the Government is effected on a
parliamentary basis for the first time.
1993 A new Autonomy Act, the third, comes into effect.
Åland’s own postal administration commences operations.
1995 Together with Finland, Åland joins the EU.
1996 Ålands Radio & TV Ab is formed.
21st century
2002 Mark is replaced by Euro as the currency in Åland.
2004 The Autonomy Act is revised.
