The surrender of Sveaborg was a critical moment in the Finnish War, which began in early 1808. The fortress, situated on an archipelago off the coast of Finland, served as a fortified naval base for the Swedish Empire. The Russian Empire sought to expand its influence over Finland, and the capture of Sveaborg represented a significant achievement in its military strategy. The attack commenced in late April 1808, with Russian forces surrounding the fortress and launching a series of assaults. The defenders, under the command of Colonel Carl von Hessen, faced overwhelming odds. After enduring weeks of bombardment and suffering from dwindling supplies, the Swedish forces were compelled to surrender on May 3rd.

The loss of Sveaborg had dire consequences for Sweden, as it not only showcased the vulnerabilities of Swedish defenses but also signaled the beginning of the end for Swedish dominance in the region. Following the fall of the fortress, Russian forces pressed further into Finnish territory, ultimately leading to Finland's annexation by Russia in 1809. This shift greatly altered the political landscape in Northern Europe and significantly affected the relationship between Sweden and Finland, which would eventually evolve into a separate Finnish state later in the 20th century.