It is important to note that Finland played such a key part in both their own history and the overall picture of the larger war. However, Finland itself was not a significant protagonist in the fighting. Yet still, Finland survived the war owing to its tough will and the sensible decisions it made.
The most significant event of the Second World War in Finland was the Winter War with the Soviet Union, in which Finnish people's courage and resilience were portrayed in all aspects. This article looks at Finland's contribution to the events of World War II, key events in the war, and how its military history and resilience shaped a long-lasting influence on the world.
Being stuck between the Soviet Union to the east and Nazi Germany to the west in the years leading up to World War II made things very challenging for Finland. The country, especially being small, has very few resources as compared to its large neighbors. Finland was always very keen on remaining neutral during the war, but it had to take a side that would protect its sovereignty and its territory.
The most important events that Finland contributed to WWII can be divided into two major phases: the Winter War and the Continuation War. Each of these wars had its relevance not only for Finland's military history but also for its overall place in the conflict.
The Winter War Finland is arguably the most documented event in Finland's history during WWII. It started when the Soviet Union invaded Finland in late November 1939. The Soviet Union, headed by Joseph Stalin, aimed at securing its western border and forced Finland to yield vast parts of its land to them, especially the strategic Karelian Isthmus. Finland refused this demand, and the Soviet Union declared a full-scale invasion of Finland.
The Finnish army was much weaker in numbers and arms compared to the Soviet army. They had a significantly larger army with better equipment and resources. On the other hand, Finland's military was very motivated, prepared for winter warfare, and very skilled in using its terrain in favor of their military operations. The extreme weather conditions of frosty temperatures and deep snow contributed significantly to Finland's defense capabilities. Finnish soldiers, who are famous for their toughness, exploited guerilla tactics, ambushes, and sharpshooting skills.
One of the most prominent features of the Winter War was the Finnish resilience in war. Although the Soviet Union had a superior number of troops, Finland managed to resist the advance for months. The battles were intense, and some of the most remembered battles include the Battle of Suomussalmi and the Battle of the Karelian Isthmus.
Although Finland ended up signing the Peace Treaty with the Soviet Union in March 1940, Finland retained its independence. Finland lost some of her territories, such as the Karelian Isthmus and the city of Viipuri, but she won the respect of the international world because of her determination and defense against the Soviet invasion.
After the Winter War, Finland was in a very difficult position. The Soviet threat was still looming, and Finland was still open to invasion. In 1941, Germany invaded the Soviet Union, which opened the way for Finland to regain its territory lost during the Winter War. Finland formed a de facto alliance with Nazi Germany, committing itself to fighting on the side of Germany against the Soviets in the Continuation War.
The primary goal of Finland in the Continuation War was to regain its lost land and not to support Nazi ideology or further the goals of Hitler. Thus, it was fighting side by side with Germany against the Soviet Union but was not too much concerned with the overall Nazi war effort. The Finnish forces concentrated their efforts on retaking the Karelian Isthmus, as well as other territories lost during the Winter War.
During the Continuation War, Finland had some successes, such as regaining territory from the Soviet Union. One of the most prominent battles in Finnish military history occurred during the summer of 1944: the Battle of Tali-Ihantala. The battle constituted a crushing Finnish victory and preserved the sovereignty of the country, but by the latter part of the conflict Finland was subjected to steadily increasing pressure from the Soviet Union, given the shifting tides of battle.
In 1944, when Soviet forces advanced and the war situation began to take a turn for Germany's ill, Finland signed an armistice with the Soviet Union. One of the armistice provisions required Finland to expel all German forces on its territory; hence, a conflict known as the Lapland War took place. In this Lapland War, Finnish forces opposed retreating German troops in northern Finland.
Therefore, Finland WWII impact had very long-lasting effects on the country. Even though Finland did not really become part of the Axis Powers, its alignment with Nazi Germany in the Continuation War and the battles with the Soviet Union transformed its post-war politics and international relations.
After the end of WWII, Finland had to sign the Paris Peace Treaty in 1947. According to this treaty, Finland lost more territory to the Soviet Union. This included parts of the Karelian Isthmus, the city of Petsamo, and several islands in the Baltic Sea. The country also had to demilitarize certain areas and restrain its military capacity.
Among all these losses Finland retained its sovereignty and was able to reconstruct in the years following the war. Determination amongst Finns during such adversity, especially when facing the Winter War, formed their national character and military history.
Resilience is probably one of the most important thematic aspects of WWII’s influence on Finland. The whole history of Finland's military affairs is full of examples of survival in the face of seemingly insurmountable hardship through stubbornness, creative resourcefulness, and unity of purpose. As the Winter War against Finland and the Continuation War attest, Finland withstood the greatest and most dangerous opponents. Finland's soldiers, civilians, and officials displayed incredible endurance during these grim years, making it a national characteristic for the Finnish people.
Recovery of the country from the devastations of the war was, however a post-war recovery testimony. Despite all these losses, Finland managed to reconstruct its economy and democratic institutions, thus gaining back its sovereignty as well. Finland had lessons from these experiences that gave it the endurance to withstand challenges during the 20th century, including the Cold War period.
It has been evident from the country's role during World War II that Finland managed to show endurance in war, make strategic decisions, and work to maintain independence. From the fierce battles of the Winter War within Finland to the complicated alliances during the Continuation War, Finland's military history remains WWII, a combination of how people could bear the pain and their will to exist independently. Even though Finland went through great pains and losses during this period, at the end of it, it had emerged as a country that had sovereignty, toughness, and patriotism to its fighting past. As it is currently today, Finnish military history, as well as tales about the Winter War, remain a celebrated history that will keep telling the world that Finland will live on into history for other generations.
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