How did World War I help Finland's liberation movement?
During World War I, the Finnish liberation movement strategically sought support from Germany. A significant outcome of this collaboration was the military training of young Finnish volunteers, who formed the JĂ€ger Battalion.12
The broader geopolitical instability caused by the war and the subsequent Russian Revolution in March 1917 provided the necessary opening for Finland to reclaim its autonomy. A coalition government assumed control, and by July 1917, the Finnish Parliament moved to exercise authority previously held by the emperor. Following the Bolshevik takeover of Russia in November 1917, the Finnish Parliament issued a declaration of independence on December 6, 1917. This independence was formally recognized by Vladimir Lenin and his government by the end of that year.12