The Grand Duchy of Finland was an autonomous region of the Russian Empire from 1809 to 1917. It was established after the Finnish War, when Sweden ceded Finland to Russia. The Grand Duchy had its own government and legal system, allowing for a degree of self-rule while still being part of the empire. During this period, Finland experienced significant cultural and political development. The Finnish language gained prominence, and national identity began to flourish. The Grand Duchy played a crucial role in laying the foundation for Finland's eventual independence, which was declared in 1917 amidst the turmoil of World War I.