Finland's independence was declared on December 6, 1917, during the turmoil of World War I. The Finnish Parliament, influenced by the Russian Revolution, sought to establish a sovereign state free from Russian rule. This declaration was a significant step in Finland's long struggle for autonomy, which had been part of the Grand Duchy of Finland under the Russian Empire since 1809. The independence was recognized by Russia on December 31, 1917, and later by other countries. Finland's journey to independence was marked by challenges, including a civil war in 1918, but it ultimately led to the establishment of a democratic government and a strong national identity.