Famine in Finland 1866–1868
The famine from 1866 to 1868 was the last famine in Finland and northern Sweden . It was also the last naturally induced famine in Europe . In Finland this famine is known as "the famine years" ( Finnish suuret nälkävuodet ). About 15% of the total population succumbed to famine, in the hardest hit areas even 20%. The famine caused about 270,000 deaths in three years, about 150,000 more than the normal death rate. The hardest hit areas were Satakunta , Häme , Österbotten and North Karelia .
causes
Much of the country suffered from poor harvests from previous years, especially 1862. The summer of 1866 was extremely rainy and many harvests failed; Potatoes rot in the fields and the conditions for the grain in autumn were unfavorable. When food ran out, thousands tried to make a living by begging. The winter that followed was severe and spring came late. In Helsinki the average temperature in May 1867 was +1.8 ° C, about 8 ° C below the long-term average. In many places, rivers and lakes were frozen into June. After a promising summer solstice there were frost temperatures again at the beginning of September, which was fatal for many harvests; this spring only half as much was harvested as normal. In the spring of 1867 the first died of lack of food.
The government of Finland was not crisis-proof. Money was not immediately available to import food. It was a long time before the government realized the gravity of the situation.
consequences
In 1868 the weather returned to normal and that year's harvest was slightly better than average. At that time the Finnish economy was liberalized , which led to a higher standard of living . Programs were started to increase the diversity of Finnish agriculture. Because of this and the rapidly growing industry and communications, such a famine has become less and less likely and has not been repeated. The people did not blame any person or group for the famine.
emigration
During this period, thousands of Finns emigrated to the United States to escape poverty. They settled mainly in Massachusetts , which was known for its need for young, untrained factory workers. Other popular states were Wisconsin and Michigan . Most people found work in the coal and steel industry, the timber industry, forestry and other industries that were common in Finland. Other areas in which many Finns established themselves were the western part of Oregon , Washington and Northern California .