4 January

A new Association Act repeals the post-war emergency provisions.

15 January

Åbo Akademi, a Swedish-language university, starts in Turku.

25 January

The Paris Peace Conference approves the establishment of the League of Nations.

26 January

Representatives of 56 working-class sports clubs meet in Helsinki and set up the Workers’ Sports Federation (TUL).

3 February

France restores diplomatic relations with Finland.

1 and 3 March

In the first parliamentary elections in independent Finland, non-socialist parties get 118, Social Democrats 80 and the Christian Workers’ Union 2 seats. The Agrarian League becomes the second largest party with 42 MPs. The National Coalition Party (Kokoomus) wins 28 seats, the National Progress Party (Edistyspuolue) 26, and the Swedish People’s Party 22 seats.

5 March

The new railway station in Helsinki, designed by Eliel Saarinen, is officially opened.

8 March

A railway bridge between Tornio and Haaparanta connects Finland and Sweden.

6 May

Great Britain recognises Finland’s independence.

7 May

The United States recognises Finland’s independence.

19–28

May The first Swedish Assembly of Finland is organized. To secure their position in Finland, the Swedish-speaking Finns call for their own administrative provinces, diocese, school administration and Swedish as a command language in Swedish-speaking military units.

1 June

Prohibition starts in Finland.

17 July

State Regent C. G. Mannerheim is persuaded to confirm Finland’s republican form of government and renounces the plan to carry out an intervention in St. Petersburg.

25 July

The parliament elects K. J. Ståhlberg, president of the Supreme Administrative Court, as the first President of the Republic of Finland.