The February Manifesto, issued by Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, represented a pivotal moment in Finnish-Russian relations, as it initiated a shift towards increased centralization of power from the Grand Duchy of Finland to the imperial government in St. Petersburg. Despite Finland having enjoyed a considerable degree of autonomy since its incorporation into the Russian Empire in 1809, the manifesto aimed to curtail its legislative independence. This included abolishing the Diet of Finland and transferring its powers to the Tsar's appointed officials in an effort to align Finnish laws more closely with Russian interests.

The backdrop to the manifesto includes rising nationalist sentiments in Finland and the changing political landscape of the Russian Empire, particularly in the wake of the 1896 coronation of Nicholas II. The manifesto was part of a broader strategy by the Tsar to reinforce imperial authority in the face of growing nationalist movements within various parts of the empire, including Poland and the Baltic states. The refusal of many Finnish citizens to accept these new regulations led to substantial political unrest and sparked a series of protests that would characterize Finnish resistance to Russian policies.

As the manifesto was enforced, it caused significant rifts between the Finnish populace and the Russian authorities, leading to the emergence of a Finnish national movement that sought to defend and reclaim their rights. The imposition of restrictions on the Finnish language and culture further amplified these tensions. Although the restrictions were met with strong opposition, they also solidified a sense of Finnish identity that would eventually contribute to the push for independence in the early 20th century.