The Finnish Civil War took place from January to May 1918, shortly after Finland declared independence from Russia. The conflict was primarily between the Red Guards, who were socialist and supported by the working class, and the White Guards, who were conservative and backed by the middle and upper classes. The war resulted in significant loss of life and deep social divisions. The White Guards ultimately emerged victorious, leading to the establishment of a conservative government in Finland. The aftermath of the war left lasting scars on Finnish society, influencing political dynamics and contributing to tensions between different social groups for years to come.