How Finland defeated fascism (Level 1)

In the 1930s, Finland faced a dangerous situation. A violent political group called the Lapua Movement wanted to take control of the country. They were angry about communism and wanted a strict conservative government. At first, many people supported them, including rich business owners and politicians. The group used violence to scare people. They often kidnapped those they did not like and drove them to the border of the Soviet Union. However, they made a big mistake in 1930. They kidnapped a former president of Finland and his wife. This action was too extreme, and the public began to turn against them. In 1932, the Lapua Movement tried to start a revolution to overthrow the government. They hoped the army would help them. Instead, the current president, whom the group had helped elect, went on the radio. He told the rebels to go home. The army listened to the president, not the rebels. The movement failed and was banned. Because of this, Finland remained a democracy.