The present study focuses on memory work in school textbook
illustrations of the Finnish Civil War (1918). A thematic narrative
analysis shows how the content and meanings conveyed through visual
narratives have developed in the past century. Besides changes in
specific narrative, the interpretation of the functions of themes shows a
gradual change in the schematic narrative template: the hegemonic,
victor’s narrative has been gradually replaced with alternative accounts
since the 1950s. The defeated side has been represented in school
textbooks since the 1950s, and since the 1990s, the narrative has
evolved from pointing out the similarities between the two sides to
arousing emotions of sympathy for the victims of the War. Since the
2000s, visual images have been used to highlight multi-perspectivity in
history. This study shows how the cultural trauma and reconciliation
process has been conveyed in educational material and how the narrative
templates may dynamically change.