The first major measure of Russification is the February Manifesto of 1899, an imperial decree that asserts the right of the tsarist government to rule Finland without consulting either the Finnish Senate or the Diet.

This decree relegates Finland to the status of the other provinces of the Russian Empire, and it clears the way for further Russification.

The response of the Finns is swift and overwhelming.

Protest petitions circulate rapidly throughout Finland, and they gather more than five hundred thousand signatures.

In March 1899, these petitions are collected, and they are submitted to the tsar, who chooses to ignore this so-called Great Address.