Itsenäisyyssota

The Finnish War of Independence, known in Finnish as the itsenäisyyssota, was a civil war fought in Finland from January 27 to May 15, 1918. The conflict arose following Finland's declaration of independence from Russia on December 6, 1917. The war was primarily between the Finnish "Whites," who were conservative and supported by the German Empire, and the Finnish "Reds," who were socialist and supported by Soviet Russia.

The Reds, largely composed of industrial workers and landless peasants, sought to establish a socialist republic, while the Whites, comprising the landed gentry, bourgeoisie, and some rural populations, aimed for a more conservative, independent Finland. The war was characterized by intense fighting across the country, with significant battles occurring in southern Finland. The Whites, led by Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim and benefiting from German military aid, ultimately gained the upper hand.

The conflict had devastating consequences for Finland. It resulted in a significant loss of life, estimated to be tens of thousands, and created deep social divisions that would take years to heal. The war solidified Finland's independence but also left a legacy of bitterness and trauma. The Whites emerged victorious, establishing a republic that eventually adopted a democratic system. The intervention of external powers, particularly Germany and Soviet Russia, highlighted Finland's precarious geopolitical position in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution.