Finnish Nationalism -- ASA Program -- Profesor Keoth Olson

April 2015 ASA Program
Finnish Nationalism
Professor Keith Olson
Monday, May 18
8:00 p.m.

Chevy Chase, MD

Keith Olson will discuss the evolution of Finnish nationalism from 1809 to 1917 with some comments about the World War II era. The Finns have long had their own language, cultural identity, and sense of local community, but not until December 1917 did they declare independence and establish the Finnish nation. Keith is Professor Emeritus at the University of Maryland where he specialized in recent United States history. He and Professor Rose Marie Oster together often team taught a course "Scandinavian Civilization." In retirement, Keith moved to Shelburne, Vermont where he initially taught a course every semester at the University of Vermont. Keith has held three Fulbright assignments in Finland, is an honorary member of the Finnish Historical Society, and holds an honorary PhD from the University of Tampere.