Sisällissodasta

Sisällissodasta, also known as the Finnish Civil War, was a conflict that took place in Finland between the Red Guards, a left-wing revolutionary force, and the White Guards, a right-wing force led by the Finnish Senate and the Finnish Army. The war began on January 27, 1918, following the collapse of the Russian Empire and the subsequent Finnish Declaration of Independence. The Red Guards, primarily composed of workers and peasants, sought to establish a socialist republic, while the White Guards, backed by the German Empire, aimed to maintain a constitutional monarchy and restore order.

The conflict was marked by intense fighting, with both sides suffering significant casualties. The Red Guards, despite their numerical superiority, were ultimately defeated by the White Guards, who were supported by German forces. The war ended on May 5, 1918, with the signing of the Armistice of Tampere. The White Guards emerged victorious, and Finland became an independent republic under the leadership of President Kaarlo Juho Ståhlberg.

The Finnish Civil War had a profound impact on the country's political and social landscape. It led to the establishment of a democratic republic and the adoption of a new constitution. The war also resulted in significant loss of life, with estimates suggesting that tens of thousands of Finns were killed. The conflict is remembered as a pivotal moment in Finnish history, shaping the country's identity and political system for decades to come.