December 1917. Finland declares independence from Russia. In the beginning of 1918 Communists (Reds) supported by the Russians tries to take control over the nation. After some fighting they succeed in the southern parts of Finland.
At that time the government forces (Whites) consisted mostly of volunteers. The government immediately started training new troops. In March they started an offensive against the Reds around Tampere.
While the Reds were busy there, the German East Sea Division landed on the southern coast and captured Helsinki. Then the Whites had already beaten the Reds at Tampere. Now the Whites started moving forces to the Carelian isthmus and the city Viipuri was captured in the end of April. In the beginning of May the remaining Red forces surrendered around the city Lahti.
More than 30.000 people lost their lives in the war. Most of them died of famine or were executed or murdered.
