itsenäisyyssodat

Itsenäisyyssodat refers to the wars fought for the independence of Finland. Following the collapse of the Russian Empire in 1917, Finland declared its independence on December 6, 1917. However, this declaration was not immediately recognized by all parties, and the nascent nation found itself embroiled in conflict.

The primary conflict was the Finnish Civil War, which began in January 1918. This war pitted the socialist Red Guards against the anti-socialist White Guards, who were supported by the German Empire. The Civil War was characterized by intense fighting and significant casualties. The White Guards ultimately emerged victorious in May 1918, consolidating their control over the country.

Beyond the Civil War, Finland also faced external threats. In the aftermath of World War I and the Russian Revolution, the region remained unstable. Finland engaged in several smaller conflicts and border disputes with Soviet Russia, notably the Viena expedition and the Aunus expedition, attempts to expand Finnish territory into areas with perceived Finnish populations.

The period of the itsenäisyyssodat was crucial in shaping modern Finland. It established the country's sovereignty, though the internal divisions from the Civil War left lasting scars. The struggle for independence and the subsequent defense of its borders solidified Finnish national identity and its commitment to self-determination. The geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe continued to influence Finnish foreign policy in the years that followed.