21 January

Finland and the Soviet Union sign a non-aggression pact.

27 February – 6 March

Right-wing radicals organise the so-called Mäntsälä rebellion to influence the formation of the government. The rebellion culminates in a radio speech given by President P. E. Svinhufvud on 2 March, in which he urges all civil guard members participating in the rebellion to immediately return to their homes. The rebellion peters out.

30 July – 14 August

At the Los Angeles Summer Olympics, the Finnish team wins 25 medals: 5 gold, 8 silver and 12 bronze medals. In the javelin, Matti Järvinen won the gold medal, and the silver and bronze medals went to Finns as well.