Date:
1903
Title:
Finnish Immigrant Suitcase
Description:
Finnish Immigrant Suitcase
Historically, when a country falls under an oppressive regime, residents seek refuge abroad and Allen County has repeatedly provided that refuge. Over time many asylum seekers have come to call Fort Wayne and Allen County home. The Russification of Finland was no exception.
In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries the Russian Empire sought to limit Finland's political autonomy and force the cultural assimilation of the Finnish people. Finland resisted, eventually declaring its independence in 1917, but many fled during the "sortovuodet" which translates to "years of oppression." This suitcase was brought to Fort Wayne by Finnish immigrants in 1903.
Historically, when a country falls under an oppressive regime, residents seek refuge abroad and Allen County has repeatedly provided that refuge. Over time many asylum seekers have come to call Fort Wayne and Allen County home. The Russification of Finland was no exception.
In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries the Russian Empire sought to limit Finland's political autonomy and force the cultural assimilation of the Finnish people. Finland resisted, eventually declaring its independence in 1917, but many fled during the "sortovuodet" which translates to "years of oppression." This suitcase was brought to Fort Wayne by Finnish immigrants in 1903.
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Finnish Immigrant Suitcase, 1903
Finnish Immigrant Suitcase, 1903
Finnish Immigrant Suitcase, 1903
Finnish Immigrant Suitcase, 1903