Red Guards Control Helsinki Amid Civil Conflict
January 28th, 1918
January 28th, 1918

How Long Ago?
107 years, 1 month, 15 days ago
Location
Helsinki, Finland
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Finnish Civil War
People
- Kaarlo Castrén
- Oskari Tokoi
- Rudolf Kullervo
- Juhani Aho
Links & References
Tags
Red Guards Control Helsinki Amid Civil Conflict
In January 1918, the Red Guard rebels in Finland seized control of the capital, Helsinki, amidst rising tensions in the Finnish Civil War. Members of the Senate of Finland, comprising the governing body of the country, were forced to go underground to evade the advancing forces. This rebellion stemmed from deep social and political rifts, resulting in armed conflict between the Reds, who sought socialist reforms, and the Whites, who aimed to maintain the existing governance.
Red Guards captured key locations in Helsinki.
Senate members went underground to escape rebels.
The conflict stemmed from social and political rifts.
Helsinki's fall shifted power in the civil war.
What Happened?
The Finnish Civil War erupted in early 1918, rooted in long-standing social divisions and the political landscape shaped by the aftermath of World War I. On this occasion, the Red Guards, representing the socialist faction, overran Helsinki, establishing control over the capital. The move was strategic, as holding Helsinki would provide a significant advantage in terms of resources and political legitimacy. The Red Guards comprised a mix of workers and soldiers disillusioned by economic inequalities and a desire for reform. As the Red Guard forces advanced, key government officials from the Senate took urgent action to safeguard themselves by going underground. This decision marked a pivotal moment in the conflict, as it placed the Senators in hiding while the rebels sought full authority over the Finnish state. The escalation in violent confrontations and the swift takeover signaled a decisive turn in the civil war, laying the groundwork for further battles between the Red and White factions that would draw the country into a broader conflict lasting several months.
Why Does it Matter?
The seizure of Helsinki by the Red Guards and the resulting underground movement of the Senate showcased the intensity and immediate consequences of political strife in Finland. This moment is significant as it highlighted the deeply entrenched divisions between different societal groups, which would have lasting implications for Finnish identity and governance. It marked the beginning of a conflict that ultimately shaped the trajectory of Finland's political landscape.
Discover More Historic Events from January 28th
Protests Erupt Following Tyre Nichols' Death
Following the brutal beating and subsequent death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, widespread protests emerged across the United States. The incident, captured on police body cameras, showed officers using excessive force during his arrest. Demonstrations were organized to demand justice for Nichols and greater accountability for police brutality. These events unfolded in various cities, highlighting the ongoing issues of police violence and systemic racism within law enforcement. Activists called for reforms to the policing system and expressed solidarity with victims of similar violence.
Continue ReadingNitrogen Leak Causes Fatal Incident in Gainesville
A nitrogen leak at a poultry food processing facility in Gainesville, Georgia resulted in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to at least ten others. The incident highlighted the dangers of chemical exposure in industrial settings. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after the leak was detected, assisting those who were affected and evacuating the facility. The facility's operations were halted while investigations were carried out to determine the cause of the leak and ensure safety protocols were followed.
Continue ReadingKatowice Fair Building Roof Collapse
A catastrophic roof collapse at the Katowice International Fair in Poland resulted in 65 fatalities and more than 170 injuries due to heavy snowfall. The incident occurred when the weight of accumulated snow exceeded the building's structural integrity. Rescuers worked tirelessly to evacuate victims trapped beneath the debris, amidst tragic scenes of despair in freezing temperatures.
Continue ReadingTAME Flight 120 Boeing 727 Crash in Andes
TAME Flight 120, a Boeing 727-100, crashed into the Andes mountains in southern Colombia, resulting in the deaths of 94 individuals. The aircraft was en route to Pasto when it encountered severe weather conditions, leading to the tragic incident. Emergency responders were dispatched to the remote location to assist with the recovery efforts. This crash highlighted the challenges of air travel in mountainous regions.
Continue ReadingSupreme Court Strikes Down Anti-Abortion Laws
The Supreme Court of Canada ruled against existing anti-abortion laws, determining they violated women's rights as outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This landmark decision came from a case involving Henry Morgentaler, who challenged the constitutionality of the laws after performing abortions without medical approval. The court's ruling effectively legalized abortion in Canada, allowing women to make autonomous choices regarding their reproductive health without legal restrictions.
Continue ReadingChallenger Disaster During STS-51-L Launch
The Space Shuttle Challenger disintegrated 73 seconds after liftoff during the STS-51-L mission. All seven crew members, including Christa McAuliffe, a teacher selected for the mission, tragically lost their lives. The disaster occurred due to a failure in the O-ring seals at low temperatures, leading to the catastrophic explosion. This incident marked a significant turning point in the U.S. space program, leading to a suspension of flights and a thorough investigation into the Shuttle program's safety protocols.
Continue Reading