The Mäntsälä rebellion (Mäntsälän kapina or Mäntsälän mellakka in Finnish), often referred to as the Mäntsälä shooting incident (Mäntsälän ampumavälikohtaus), was a failed coup attempt by the Finnish Lapua Movement in February and March of 1932. It is a significant event in Finnish history, highlighting the tensions and extremist ideologies that were prevalent during the interwar period.

The Lapua Movement, a far-right anti-communist and anti-democratic organization, had gained considerable influence in Finland during the late 1920s and early 1930s. They advocated for a strong, authoritarian state and employed violence and intimidation to achieve their goals. One of their key aims was to ban the Social Democratic Party, which they viewed as a threat to national unity.

The rebellion was triggered on February 27, 1932, at a Social Democratic gathering in Mäntsälä, a rural municipality north of Helsinki. Members of the local Lapua Movement chapter, led by retired Colonel Hermanni Patalo, disrupted the meeting, using violence and threats to prevent it from proceeding. This act of defiance against the established government was the spark that ignited the wider uprising.

News of the incident quickly spread, and the Lapua Movement leadership saw an opportunity to seize power. They called on supporters from across the country to converge on Mäntsälä, effectively challenging the authority of the Finnish government. Thousands of armed men, many of whom were veterans of the Finnish Civil War, responded to the call, gathering in and around the village. The situation quickly escalated into a full-blown crisis.

The government, led by President Pehr Evind Svinhufvud, faced a critical challenge. Svinhufvud, while generally right-leaning, was determined to uphold the rule of law and prevent the country from descending into chaos. He delivered a firm radio address, directly addressing the rebels and demanding that they lay down their arms and return home. He promised that those who cooperated would not be prosecuted, while those who persisted would face the full force of the law. This decisive action was crucial in undermining the rebellion’s momentum.

Simultaneously, the government mobilized the armed forces and the Civil Guard (Suojeluskunta), a voluntary defense organization, to maintain order and prevent the rebellion from spreading further. Crucially, the vast majority of the Civil Guard remained loyal to the government, despite the Lapua Movement’s influence within its ranks. This loyalty demonstrated a commitment to the democratic process and the authority of the state.

The combination of Svinhufvud’s firm stance, the mobilization of loyal forces, and the lack of widespread support for the rebellion ultimately led to its collapse. Faced with overwhelming opposition and a promise of amnesty, many of the rebels began to lose heart and return home. By March 2, 1932, the rebellion had effectively fizzled out. The leaders of the Lapua Movement, including Vihtori Kosola, were arrested and later tried for treason.

The Mäntsälä rebellion marked a turning point in Finnish history. It demonstrated the resilience of Finnish democracy and the determination of the government to uphold the rule of law. While the Lapua Movement continued to exist for a short time after the rebellion, its influence rapidly waned, and it was eventually banned. The incident served as a stark reminder of the dangers of extremism and the importance of protecting democratic institutions. It also solidified President Svinhufvud’s position as a strong leader who was willing to defend the principles of Finnish democracy.