Comparative Studies

Civil Wars, Revolutions & Counterrevolutions in Finland, Spain, & Greece (1918-1949): A Comparative Analysis

28.04.2008

In this article the author reflects his interests in theoretical and comparative work and his view that there is a need to explore the connection between history and social theory. Such a perspective ought to be grounded in rigorous empirical analysis and be accompanied by an awareness of the pitfalls and methodological difficulties entailed in any comparison. This research is also closely related to ongoing debates concerning breakdowns of democracy, revolutionary alternatives, and fascism. The demise of the Russian autocracy in March 1917 led to the collapse of imperial authority in Finland, and introduced a period of confusion and debate as to the nation's future. As a result of the March revolution, Finland was in chaos. A new revolution in Russia, in November, introduced again the problem of who must exercise sovereign authority. On January 25, 1918, the day on which the White Guards were officially proclaimed the troops of the Finnish-Svinhufvud-government, a committee set up by the Social Democratic Party council took the decision to seize power.
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