The Finnish Civil War erupted in January 1918, reflecting the deep ideological rifts in Finnish society following its declaration of independence from Russia in late 1917. Tensions escalated as the country became polarized between the socialist Red Guards and the conservative White Guard. The Red Guards, largely composed of workers and peasants, aimed to install a socialist regime, inspired by Bolshevik successes in Russia. Conversely, the White Guard, primarily drawing support from the bourgeoisie, landowners, and former military officers, sought to thwart any leftist uprising and maintain a capitalist government.

On January 17, serious armed confrontations began, marking a substantial escalation in the conflict. Cities such as Tampere and Lahti became battlegrounds where the two factions engaged in fierce fighting. The conflict was fueled by widespread social unrest, economic difficulties, and the ideological fervor of both sides, further complicated by the German threat posed by their involvement in northern Europe post-World War I. Finland was caught in a power struggle, directly influenced by the broader ideological clash between socialism and capitalism as the new political boundaries of Europe were drawn.

The outcomes of these initial battles would set the tone for the remainder of the civil war, which ultimately led to the defeat of the Red Guards and the establishment of a White-led government. This conflict not only shaped Finland's national identity but also influenced future political alignments and societal divisions within the country. The civil war was a formative chapter in Finland's history, resulting in lasting impacts on its political landscape, class relationships, and approach to governance.