itsenäisyystaisteluissaan

Itsenäisyystaisteluissaan is a Finnish term that translates to "in its struggles for independence." It refers to the historical periods and events during which Finland fought to achieve and maintain its sovereignty. The most significant of these struggles is the Finnish Declaration of Independence on December 6, 1917, following the collapse of the Russian Empire. This declaration marked the end of centuries of Russian rule and the beginning of Finland's journey as an independent nation.

However, independence was not immediately secured without conflict. The Finnish Civil War, which broke out in early 1918, was a direct consequence of the declaration and the ensuing political turmoil. This war pitted the "Reds" (socialists and communists) against the "Whites" (conservatives and non-socialists). The Whites, supported by the German Empire, ultimately won, solidifying Finland's independent status and shaping its political landscape for decades to come.

Beyond the immediate post-independence period, the term can also encompass Finland's efforts to defend its independence during World War II, particularly during the Winter War and the Continuation War against the Soviet Union. While these conflicts were fought to preserve existing independence rather than gain it anew, they represent critical moments where Finland's sovereignty was severely tested and defended through significant military and diplomatic efforts. The resilience and determination shown during these "struggles for independence" have become a defining aspect of Finnish national identity and history.