Eugen Schauman's assassination of Nikolay Bobrikov marked a significant moment in Finnish history, stemming from growing nationalist sentiments and resentment towards Russian rule. Nikolay Bobrikov, who became the Governor-General of Finland in 1898, implemented stringent measures aimed at enforcing Russification, which sought to integrate Finland more tightly into the Russian Empire. These policies sparked widespread opposition among Finns who valued their political autonomy and cultural identity. Schauman, a passionate member of the Finnish nationalist movement, saw Bobrikov's actions as a direct threat to Finland's sovereignty. On June 16, 1904, Schauman approached Bobrikov in Helsinki and fired at him three times with a revolver, fatally wounding the Governor-General. After the shooting, Schauman took his own life, an act that signified his commitment to his cause and his willingness to sacrifice himself for the Finnish nationalist movement.

The assassination spurred intense reactions in both Finland and Russia. While many nationalists viewed Schauman as a hero, the Russian authorities imposed stricter controls and reinforced their grip on Finland in response to the act. The event became a catalyst for heightened nationalist activism and played a crucial role in the eventual push for Finnish independence. The assassination underscored the deep divisions between Finnish aspirations for self-determination and the autocratic policies of the Russian Empire, leading to increased unrest and political mobilization among the Finnish populace.