Release date is 2024-10-09

Juhani Kärkkäinen and Tapio Riikonen

"Jääkärit ja aktivistit : Sotavuosien muistelmia Tukholmasta ja Berliinistä" by Herman Gummerus is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book reflects on the turbulent years surrounding World War I, focusing particularly on the Finnish independence movement as seen from the perspectives of its activists. The text provides insights into the political tensions and dilemmas that faced Finland under Russian rule and the interactions with various political entities, all while navigating the complexities of allegiances during war. The opening of the book sets the stage in the summer of 1914, just before the onset of World War I. Gummerus describes his life in Italy, where he distanced himself from politics due to the oppressive atmosphere in Finland. However, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand prompts a rapid shift in the global situation, eventually igniting tensions that ripple into Finland's struggle for independence. As the narrative unfolds, Gummerus reveals his return to Finland amidst a backdrop of uncertainty and the growing divisions between pro-Allied and pro-German factions among Finnish nationalists, highlighting the complexities of identity and allegiance in a time of crisis. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Originally published: Porvoo: WSOY, 1928