A comprehensive explanation of the collapse of the Russian Empire, the Finnish Civil War, and Finland's path to independence in the early 20th century.
In the early 20th century, Europe was going through significant changes, particularly during and after World War I. A critical event was the defeat of the Russian Empire, which led to revolutions in 1917. These revolutions created a power vacuum, significantly influencing Finland, a part of the Russian Empire at that time.
In Finland, two main political groups emerged: the Social Democrats (on the left) and conservatives (on the right). Both factions sought control and power over Finland's future. As the year 1917 progressed, tensions escalated as both groups aligned themselves with similar factions in Russia, further exacerbating divisions within Finnish society.
After March 1917, there was no effective police or military presence in Finland to maintain order. This absence allowed both the left (the Reds) and the right (the Whites) to form their own security forces, known as the Red Guards and the White Guards, respectively. This step led to the militarization of political struggles and created an environment filled with fear and violence among the Finnish people.
In January 1918, tensions escalated into open conflict, resulting in the Finnish Civil War. The violence was intense and resulted in casualties for both sides. Ultimately, the Whites emerged victorious from this war, gaining control of the political situation.
Following the civil war and the turmoil of 1917-1918, Finland found itself shifting from Russian authority into the realm of the German Empire’s influence. The conservative government even considered establishing a monarchy with a German ruler. However, with Germany's defeat in World War I, plans for a monarchy crumbled.
Finally, in 1917, Finland declared its independence, transforming into a democratic republic. This transition marked a significant turning point in Finnish history, allowing the country to establish its own governance free from foreign control.
The events during and after World War I were crucial in shaping Finland’s political landscape. The consequences of internal conflict and the decline of the Russian Empire provided Finland with a unique opportunity to assert its independence and identity as a nation.