The 1990s Economic Crisis as a Nationalist Experience

Abstract

This article explores the 1990s economic crisis in Finland as a national experience, emphasizing the influence of historical context and future expectations on political and public narratives. The article examines this on two levels: in political discourse and in letters sent to politicians. Political debates framed the recession as a national and spiritual crisis, invoking the spirit of the Winter War. Letters revealed that citizens used history in diverse ways to interpret the events. The study highlights the interplay between economic conditions, political discourse, and cultural narratives in shaping responses to the crisis.