puhdistusvaiheilla

Puhdistusvaiheilla, also known as the Purification Period, is a term used in the context of the Finnish Civil War (1918) to describe the period immediately following the war's end. This period was characterized by a wave of violence and political repression aimed at eliminating perceived enemies of the victorious White Guard forces. The term is often associated with the actions of the White Guard's military police, who carried out extrajudicial killings, torture, and other forms of violence against suspected Reds, socialists, and other political opponents.

The Purification Period began shortly after the White Guard's victory and continued until the early 1920s. During this time, thousands of people were killed, and many more were imprisoned or exiled. The actions of the military police were often carried out with impunity, as the White Guard government was not fully established and lacked the legal framework to control such activities.

The Purification Period is a controversial and sensitive topic in Finnish history. While some historians argue that it was a necessary step to establish a stable and democratic society, others view it as a dark chapter in the country's history, marked by excessive violence and political repression. The legacy of the Purification Period continues to be a subject of debate and discussion in Finland today.