Sovitteluajan

Sovitteluajan, meaning "reconciliation time" or "settlement period" in Swedish, refers to a historical period in Finnish history, primarily associated with the years following the Finnish Civil War of 1918. This era was characterized by a deep societal division and the urgent need for national healing and integration between the "reds" (socialists and left-wing) and the "whites" (conservatives and right-wing) who had fought against each other. The conflict had left thousands dead and created lasting bitterness and distrust.

The Sovitteluajan aimed to bridge this divide through various initiatives. These included efforts to reintegrate former red prisoners back into society, providing them with employment and social support. There were also attempts to foster a sense of national unity through cultural and educational programs. The government and various social organizations played a role in these reconciliation efforts. While the process was complex and not without its challenges, the Sovitteluajan marked a conscious attempt by Finnish society to move beyond the trauma of civil war and build a more cohesive nation. The long-term impact of these efforts is debated among historians, but they are generally seen as a crucial step in Finland's post-war development.