The Finnish War

The Treaty of Tilst, signed by France and Russia on 21 February 1808, triggered an open conflict between Sweden and Russia. When Sweden learnt about the treaty, the armistice with France was revoked on 1 August 1807. Sweden became increasingly isolated when Denmark, under duress, joined the Treaty of Tilst on 20 October 1807. On 7 November 1807, Russia declared war on England.

Unwilling to go to war with Sweden, Russia tried to persuade the King to join the alliance. Sweden, in turn, wanted to win time until the spring of 1808 and avoid everything that could be interpreted as preparations for a war while waiting for England to come to its rescue. Russia was quickly running out of diplomatic devices when Gustav IV Adolf, on 27 November 1808, returned a high Russian decoration to Alexander I because Napoleon had been awarded the same distinction. The war lasted until the spring of 1809. The fears instilled by the experiences of the Lesser and Greater Wraths were not realized during this conquest.