Sveaborg

The film is based on the history of the Russian military garrison in Sveaborg (Suomenlinna, near Helsinki), which was an autonomous part of the Russian Empire at the time. In 1906, approximately 12,000 Russian troops were stationed in the Sveaborg fortress. The riots were instigated by the Socialist-Revolutionaries, who had begun to influence the garrison. The first acts of disobedience occurred on July 17, 1906, when revolutionary sailors were supported by mine-men. The mine-men were arrested and disarmed by an infantry regiment. The gunners then attempted to free their comrades, leading to a violent conflict that sparked a bloody revolt led by Lieutenants A. Yemelyanov and Y. Kohansky, both members of Lenin's Bolshevik Party. A general strike began in Helsinki the following day. The revolt lasted three days and was suppressed by naval bombardment from the Baltic Fleet. Over 40 men were executed, and hundreds were sentenced to prison.