alternatehistory.com

Apparently after the 1741 war between the Russian Empire and Kingdom of Sweden, the Finnish Estates gathered under Russian occupation and elected Duke Peter of Holstein-Gottorp to be king of an independent Finland. Receiving the blessings of the Scottish general occupying Finland, they prepared to ask the Russian Empire for the creation of a Kingdom of Finland.

For various reasons the whole 'Finnish independence' thing didnt really pan out. The Russian Empire did technically say that they would give Finland independence if the soundly beat the Swedes, which they did. However negotiations between Sweden and Russia ended before negotiations between Finland and Russia could start and it was agreed to let Sweden keep Finland.

What if alternate history powers worked here though and the Russian Empire approved of an independent but Russian friendly Finland with Duke Peter as the king?

Several consequences here. First the obvious one is a Finland, independent in 1742 (or slightly later due to butterfly effect). Second is that the newly elected King of Finland was designated as heir to the throne of Russia in OTL. As Peter III he was known for (majorly) screwing up the Seven Years War. Assuming as part of this scenario he isnt appointed heir, who would be the next Tsar/Tsarina or Russia?

Thoughts or comments?
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