King Gustav III had a determination when took the throne, to establish Sweden as a superpower once again, to crush his foes, to become an elite statesman. He was now embroiled in a war for that very empire which he so much desired. But there would be one historical decision he would make before that.

Gustav wrote the law while mumbling to himself at the dinner table in Kronborg Castle. The law that would give Finland a country.

THE FINNISH ACT

Are Finns people? I say “Aye!” It is therefore, and about time, that the Finnish people be granted rights, and a voice. Finland will be restructured, never to slip from the Swedish grasp. Finland is essential to Sweden and yet, Sweden is essential to protect Finland from external forces. Thus, Finland will not cease to be a part of Sweden.

A second riksdag will be made, four estates from the region of “Finland.” They will vote and discuss issues within Finland. However, under this, Finnish estate members will not be able to participate in the Swedish riksdag, and vice versa. The laws of the Finnish riksdag will only affect Finland, while the Swedish riksdag will be able to pass laws that extend to Finland as well.

Finnish soldiers and their integration in the Swedish army will not be altered.

A Grand Prince will nominally govern Finland, under the authority of the King of Swedes, Finns, Wends, and Goths. The Grand Prince and his family will be chosen by the Swedish King upon conclusion of the war. Until then, the King of Sweden will serve as interim Grand Prince of Finland.

The Grand Prince of Finland will be able to call the Finnish riksdag at any time.

Under this law, while Finland will be forever and ad infinitum a de jure territory of the Swedish homelands, the Finnish people will have a de facto autonomous principality under the Swedish crown.

Gustav stared at what he had written. This would lead the population of Finland to turn to his side and end any dissentious talk or talk of independence. This would undermine the Anjala Conspiracy. This would form a stronger nation.

He called a servant to the table and ensured that the order be taken to the riksdag posthaste. Finland was now free*

*sorta.