Finland And World War II: 10 Essential Things To Know

Finnish soldiers by The Finnish Defence Forces from Wikimedia Commons

Finland And World War II: 10 Essential Things To Know

Finland is a tiny European country that is overlooked when we talk about the war effort. In November 1939 Finland was invaded by the Soviet Union, an invasion that started the Winter War, the Finnish army was greatly outnumbered and though they didn’t also have enough armaments they put up a good fight. 

Finland, a tiny country in Northern Europe, made a considerable contribution to the war effort. The invasion by the Soviet Union in November 1939 led to the start of the Winter War.  The Finnish army put up a fierce fight despite being greatly outnumbered and outgunned, earning praise from all around the world for their bravery and fortitude. Finland later sided with the German-led Axis in the Continuation War to reclaim areas lost in the Winter War and defend its borders from Soviet encroachment.

Nonetheless, Finland’s situation was challenging and complex because it was a neutral nation sandwiched between two superpowers. Let’s take a look at the different factors that affected Finland during WWII and how they participated in the Winter War, the Continuation War, and Finland’s post-war relations with the Soviet Union and the West.

1. In November 1939, Finland invaded the Soviet Union which started the Winter War

Finnish soldiers by Wikimedia Commons

The Winter War began in November 1939 with a Soviet Union invasion of Finland. The Karelian Isthmus and the port of Hanko were among the vital areas in Finland that the Soviet Union aimed to seize. The Finnish army, employing guerilla tactics and battling in terrible winter conditions, fiercely resisted the Soviet invasion despite being greatly outnumbered and outgunned.

The fight became known as the “David and Goliath” war as a result of the resistance shown by the Finnish people, who gained respect and compassion from people all over the world. The Winter War came to an end in March 1940 with the signing of the Moscow Peace Treaty, which surrendered part of Finland to the Soviet Union while still allowing Finland to retain its independence.

2. The Finnish army put up a fierce resistance against the Soviet Invasion

The Finnish army showcased its fighting prowess and strategies during the Winter War. The Finnish soldiers fought valiantly against the Soviet invasion despite being outnumbered and outgunned by using their expertise in the treacherous terrain and the winter’s severe circumstances to their advantage. The Finnish army also used guerrilla strategies such as surprise attacks, concealment, and small unit hit-and-run attacks.

As a result of their perseverance, Finland gained respect on a global scale, and nations like Sweden—which had remained neutral during the conflict—sent supplies to help the Finnish army. Although they were ultimately compelled to make concessions in the Moscow Peace Treaty that ended the war, the Finnish army’s tenacity and gallantry ultimately allowed them to repel the Soviet invasion for several months.

3. The Finnish Army was putting off  the Soviet Union for a while

Finnish soldiers by MTV3 from Wikimedia Commons

The Finnish Army proved itself during the Winter War by delaying the Soviet Union for several months. The Soviet troops lost their supply lines and many of their soldiers died. Marshal Mannerheim had a solid understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of the Soviet military which helped him lead the Finns courageously. An additional advantage that the Finns had was the harsh winter weather which helped the Finnish Army that was well-equipped with their land. 

However, even though the Finns put their best foot forward it didn’t stop the Soviet Union from sending in additional troops which led the Finnish Army to give in to Soviet demands in the Moscow Peace Accord.

4. The Winter War ended in March 1940

Winter War by Wikimedia Commons

By signing the Moscow Peace Treaty between Finland and the Soviet Union on March 13, 1940, the Winter War ended. The Karelian Isthmus, Viipuri, and parts of the Rybachy Peninsula were among the Finnish territory that was lost to the Soviet Union as a result of the pact. Moreover, Finland was compelled to give the Soviet Union a 30-year lease on the naval facility at Hanko.

Finland’s independence and sovereignty were acknowledged in return by the Soviet Union, which also pledged to do so. The treaty put an end to the Winter War, but it also left Finland with psychological scars that would take years to heal. As their lands were given to the Soviet Union, many Finns felt betrayed.

5. Finland signed a non-aggression pact with Nazi Germany

After the Winter War on June 26, 1941, Nazi Germany and Finland reached an agreement not to attack one another. The pact was seen by the Finnish government as a strategic move to protect its independence and security against future Soviet attacks. Finland used the pact to get access to essential German assistance and military supplies, which it used to launch a massive offensive against the Soviet Union during the Continuation War.

The non-aggression pact with Nazi Germany was a divisive choice, and Finland faced criticism for its affiliation with the Axis powers from many countries. Despite this, the agreement was regarded at the time as an essential move that influenced the outcome of the conflict in Finland.

6. Finland’s goal was to gain its territory back in the Winter War

Finland’s main goal in the Winter War was to reclaim the area it had given up to the Soviet Union in the Moscow Peace Treaty of 1940. The military and administration of Finland placed a high value on the Karelian Isthmus, which included the city of Viipuri and other vital areas.

The region has long been connected to Finland both historically and culturally, and these connections were once seen as a significant source of the country’s identity. The invasion of the territory by the Soviet Union caused great damage to the Finnish people, and the Finnish government made recovering control of the area a key priority. The Finnish Army fought bravely, but they were unable to keep the land for their country.

7. Finland did not participate in the Holocaust

It’s important to remember that Finland refrained from taking part in the Holocaust during World War II. It’s important to remember that Finland avoided participating in the Holocaust during World War II. Although being an ally of Nazi Germany and receiving military support from the Axis powers, Finland did not share their belief in racial superiority and did not participate in the killing of Jews and other minorities.

Because of this, nearly all of Finland’s Jewish population survived to see the end of the war, and the country is still seen as a model of a Nazi-aligned state that avoided participation in the Holocaust. It serves as a reminder of Finland’s dedication to democratic values and human rights for many Finns, who take pride in it.

8. Finland maintained its relationship with the West and the Soviet Union during the Cold War

Finland maintained connections with both the West and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Finland was placed at the centre of the Cold War between the West and the Soviet Union following World War II. Finland managed to keep a balanced relationship with both sides during the Cold War, despite its historical ties to Nazi Germany and its proximity to the Soviet Union. The country chose to be neutral and non-aligned rather than join NATO or the Warsaw Pact.

9. Finland made some significant territorial gains in the Continuation War 

Finnish Assault by Wikimedia Commons

Finland was successful in recovering territory from the Soviet Union during the Second World War. Within two weeks following Nazi Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, the Finnish Army was able to launch a major attack against the Soviet Union with the aid of Nazi Germany’s armed forces.

The vital Karelian Isthmus was one of the many areas Finland lost during the Winter War that it was able to recapture thanks to the Finnish Army’s ability to drive the Soviets back. During the Continuation War, Finland gained control of the Petsamo region in the far north, which was rich in natural resources including nickel and other minerals. Victories were won during the Continuation War.

10. Finland signed an armistice with the Soviet Union

In 1944, as the Continuation War started to go against it, Finland signed an armistice with the Soviet Union in Moscow. The harsh terms of the armistice required Finland to cede a significant portion of the territory it had taken during the war, notably the Karelian Isthmus and the Petsamo region.

Finland was also forced to disband a sizable proportion of its military and pay the Soviet Union significant war reparations. Finland managed to keep its independence and a democratic government despite the difficult armistice terms, unlike many other Eastern European countries that were dominated by the Soviet Union after the war.

Finland has worked very hard to establish itself as one of the most industrial and stable countries in the world and is currently seen as one of the happiest. They are known for their economy and strong social welfare and continue to earn a reputation in development and creativity.