Leikkausjaksoa

Leikkausjaksoa, often translated as "cutting period" or "pruning period" in English, refers to a specific phase in a historical context, particularly within the Finnish civil war of 1918 and its immediate aftermath. This period was characterized by a systematic and often brutal elimination of perceived opponents by the victorious White forces. It involved widespread arrests, executions, and internment in prison camps of those suspected of sympathizing with or actively participating in the Red Uprising.

The leikkausjaksoa was not a single, unified event but rather a series of localized actions that occurred throughout the country. The rationale behind these actions, as stated by the White government, was to secure the nation and prevent future uprisings. However, the scale and severity of the violence, which resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, have led to significant historical debate and condemnation. Many individuals were executed without due process, and the conditions in the prison camps were often deplorable, leading to further loss of life due to starvation, disease, and mistreatment.

The leikkausjaksoa left a deep and lasting scar on Finnish society, contributing to a prolonged period of social division and trauma. The memory of this time continues to be a sensitive subject in Finnish history, with ongoing discussions about its causes, consequences, and the responsibility of those involved. Historical research has focused on documenting the events, identifying victims, and understanding the broader socio-political context that allowed such widespread violence to occur.