An explanation of the Finnish Civil War's origins, key figures, and the failure of both sides to find common ground, tailored for a 14-year-old.
The Finnish Civil War, which took place in early 1918, was a conflict between two main groups: the Whites and the Reds. Understanding what started this war requires looking at some key events and decisions made by both sides.
1. **Government's Stance**: In December 1917 and January 1918, the Svinhufvud government, which was in control of Finland, decided to take a strong stand against socialists. Socialists were people who wanted to improve workers' rights and share wealth more evenly. The government essentially said they would not work with them, which created a lot of tension.
2. **Authorizing the White Guard**: A significant point occurred on January 9, 1918, when the government allowed a group called the White Guard to act as a security force. This group supported the government and was ready to use force to maintain order. This decision made the situation worse and led to the workers feeling they needed to act quickly to protect their rights.
3. **The Call for Uprising**: In response to the government's actions, the workers, particularly those aligned with the socialist movement (called the Reds), decided that enough was enough. They planned a large uprising, which was set to start on the night of January 27-28, 1918. This shows that the people felt they were being pushed into a corner and had to fight back.
4. **Mannerheim's Involvement**: At the same time, the government appointed Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim as their military leader. Mannerheim, who had experience as a general, also wanted military action to take place on the same nights as the Reds’ uprising. This shows that both sides were preparing for a conflict without trying to resolve their differences peacefully.
5. **Responsibility for the Conflict**: Historians have often debated whether the civil war could have been avoided. However, it is commonly believed that both the government and the socialists played a role in causing the war. Their refusal to compromise and seek common ground led to the outbreak of violence.
In summary, the Finnish Civil War was the result of escalating tensions and a lack of willingness to work together. Both the government and the socialist workers had a part in the conflict, which ultimately brought about a tragic chapter in Finland's history.