When Finland obtained independence from Russia in 1917, many Ålanders feared they would lose their Swedish culture and language which led to the native population starting a movement to unite with Sweden. This led to Finland, Sweden, and Russia appealing to the League of Nations, who decided in favour of Ålander autonomy. Starting in the early 1920s, Åland unofficially used a blue and yellow tricolour flag until it was banned in 1935 by the Finnish government.