Battles & Campaigns · 1743
Treaty of Åbo
Åbo (Turku), Finland
What happened
By the end of the Russo-Swedish War of 1741–1743, Russian troops held most of Finland. Russia wanted the border moved away from Saint Petersburg. Sweden gave up the lands east of the Kymi River, including the towns of Fredrikshamn (Hamina) and Villmanstrand (Lappeenranta), and agreed to choose Adolf Frederick as crown prince.
Why it matters
It moved Sweden's eastern border and gave Russia southern Karelia. Empress Elizabeth promised the people there could keep their religion, laws and property.
What came next
Because the deal risked war with Denmark–Norway, a Russian fleet sailed to Stockholm to protect the Swedish capital.
Did you know?
The handed-over lands had adopted Sweden's 1734 law code only a few years earlier.
Timeline
- 1741Russo-Swedish War begins.
- 18 Aug 1743Treaty of Åbo.
- 1743Hamina passes to Russia.