An analysis of the structures in Helsinki which convey meaning to both outsiders and to those who live there must be based on the history of the town, and on the capital as an incarnation of the country itself. Historically, Finland was part of Sweden until 1809, and between that and 1917 it was part of Russia. During that period, in 1812, Helsinki was proclaimed the capital of the Grand Duchy of Finland. In the latter part of the 19th century, many national institutions were established in the capital. The independent national era began in 1917.