The Impact of the Reformation on Finland from the Perspective of Finnish Students at Wittenberg University (1531–1633)

Abstract

The question concerning the effect of the Reformation on Finland will be considered from the perspective of Finnish undergraduates who studied at the University of Wittenberg during the era of Reformation. This period can be defined as the years between 1531 and 1633, based on the number of undergraduates. Most of the 56 Finns who studied there during this period were theologians. However, among these students here were also the sons of noble families. Wittenberg lost its popularity during the 1560s–1590s but regained it during the 1600s–1630s. However, later its importance faded on account of the Thirty Years’ War. The students from noble families used the skills of their theoretical education in the service of the Swedish administration. The theologians, for their part, were able to promote the dissemination of the ideas of the Reformation in their homeland by spreading what they had learned in Wittenberg.