Developments in Finland, which resulted in the transfer of power to the Reds in Helsingfors (Helsinki).

After the February Revolution of 1917, the Social Democratic Party of Finland (SDP), one of the most influential parties in Finland, was actively involved in interaction with the Bolsheviks. After the October coup in Petrograd and the overthrow of the Provisional Government, the SDP declared a general strike. However, it did not go as far as to seize power at that moment, despite the calls of Vladimir Lenin. Radical members of the SDP began preparations for a revolution. Red Guard Detachments were formed in the country and actively operated. The Reds had more influence in the south of the country, where there were Russian troops and industrial centers with radically minded workers.

In January 1918, the Executive Committee of the Finnish Workers was formed, which prepared a plan for the seizure of power. On the night of January 15 (27), 1918, a red flag was raised over the Finnish Seim in Helsingfors. The SDP Council declared the government of Pehr Evind Svinhufvud deposed and formed the Finnish People's Delegation headed by Kullervo Manner. The Finnish Socialist Workers’ Republic was proclaimed in the south of the country. Svinhufvud’s government fled to the north of the country to Vaasa (“Vaasa Senate”), where Carl Gustaf Mannerheim was forming the army. A Civil War began in Finland, which the White Finns would have won by May 1918 with the help of German troops.