Länkipohja: Executions of Captured Reds
March 16th, 1918
March 16th, 1918

How Long Ago?
106 years, 11 months, 27 days ago
Location
Länkipohja, Finland
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
Finnish Civil War
Links & References
Tags
Länkipohja: Executions of Captured Reds
After the Battle of Länkipohja, the White forces executed 70 to 100 Red Guard soldiers who had surrendered. This brutal act reflected the tensions between the factions during the Finnish Civil War. The executions took place in the small village of Länkipohja, where the conflict's violence reached a grim peak. The decision to execute the prisoners sparked controversy and highlighted the ruthless nature of the civil war in Finland.
Decisive White victory at Länkipohja battle.
Execution of 70–100 Reds after surrender.
Reflects ideological divides of the civil war.
Illustrates wartime treatment of prisoners.
What Happened?
The Battle of Länkipohja was a significant engagement during the Finnish Civil War, fought in a remote village that became notorious for its violent aftermath. After intense fighting between the White forces, which supported the Finnish Senate, and the Reds, composed primarily of socialist factions, the battle concluded with a decisive victory for the Whites. Following their triumph, they took several Red soldiers prisoner. In a harsh show of power and deterrence, the Whites executed an estimated 70 to 100 of these capitulated soldiers. The killings were carried out without trial, a reflection of the prevailing hostilities engendered by the civil war. The insurgent Red Guard had sought to promote socialism and align with the Bolshevik regime in Russia, while the Whites aimed to preserve the status quo and avoid Bolshevism's spread into Finland.
The aftermath of the battle and the ensuing executions became emblematic of the larger conflict that plagued Finland during this period. It illustrated the brutal tactics employed by both sides and displayed the political divides within Finnish society. In villages like Länkipohja, the repercussions of the civil war were deeply felt, contributing to resentments and social fractures that would linger long after the cessation of hostilities. The event raised ethical questions about wartime conduct, framing the prisoners' execution within the context of vengeance and ideological warfare. By the end of the conflict, thousands had lost their lives, and landscapes were marred by the scars of civil strife, leaving a legacy of division in Finnish society.
Why Does it Matter?
The executions following the Battle of Länkipohja are significant in understanding the extreme measures taken during the Finnish Civil War. This event highlighted the depths of political and social divisions in Finland, evoking a legacy that influenced Finnish politics and social identity for decades. The brutality of the actions taken against the captured Reds indicated the intensity of the ideological struggle and established a narrative of revenge that resonated across the nation.
Discover More Historic Events from March 16th
Fukushima Earthquake Strikes, Casualties Reported
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Fukushima, Japan, causing widespread concern and significant damage. The quake occurred in the early hours and resulted in four fatalities, along with 225 individuals sustaining injuries. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported the earthquake as a powerful tremor, prompting tsunami warnings for the surrounding areas. Emergency services were dispatched to assess damage and provide aid to the affected regions immediately.
Continue ReadingAirstrike on Mariupol Theatre Shelter
A significant airstrike targeted the Mariupol Theatre, which was being used as a shelter for civilians during the siege. The attack occurred amid escalating military conflict in Ukraine, particularly in the strategic port city of Mariupol, where many sought safety. As many as 1,300 people might have been inside the theatre at the time, leading to a desperate humanitarian crisis and raising alarms about the severity of the siege and targeting of civilian structures amidst warfare.
Continue ReadingAtlanta Area Spa Shootings Result in Multiple Deaths
In a series of shootings at three massage parlors in Atlanta and nearby Cherokee County, eight individuals were killed and one person was injured. The shootings took place in quick succession at establishments frequented by the Asian community. The assailant, identified as Robert Aaron Long, was apprehended the same day, leading to widespread discussions about racism and targeted violence against Asian Americans.
Continue ReadingMassive Stock Market Drop Amid Economic Uncertainty
The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a dramatic fall of 2,997.10 points, marking the largest single-point drop in its history. This plunge, which translated to a staggering 12.93% decline, surpassed even the notable crash of Black Monday in 1929. This unprecedented decline was spurred by widespread panic over the economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had begun to escalate globally. In response to the turmoil, the U.S. Federal Reserve intervened by cutting its target interest rate to a range between 0 and 0.25%, aiming to stabilize the economy and reassure financial markets shaken by the rapid changes in the global health landscape.
Continue ReadingSuicide Bombing at Mosque in Maiduguri
Two suicide bombers detonated explosives at a mosque during the early morning prayers, resulting in the death of 24 people and injuring 18 others in Maiduguri, Nigeria. The attack, occurring at a time of prayer, targeted worshippers and was one of the numerous assaults attributed to the insurgent group Boko Haram, which has been active in the region. Such attacks have raised security concerns and impacted local communities fiercely.
Continue ReadingBus Bombing in Peshawar Targeting Officials
A bomb exploded on a bus carrying government employees in Peshawar, Pakistan, leading to the deaths of 15 individuals and causing injuries to at least 30 others. The bombing occurred during peak hours, when the bus was transporting officials returning from work. The blast raised significant concerns over security in the region, which had previously been a target for militant groups. Eyewitnesses reported a loud sound followed by chaos as people rushed to aid the injured.
Continue Reading