During the Second World War, Finland experienced three major phases of conflict: the Winter War (1939–1940), the Continuation War (1941–1944), and the Lapland War (1944–1945). These wars were marked by Finland's efforts to preserve its independence from Soviet aggression, its temporary alignment with Nazi Germany, and ultimately its successful defense of sovereignty, albeit with significant territorial and economic losses.
Winter War (1939–1940)
The Winter War began on 30 November 1939 when the Soviet Union, following the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, invaded Finland after Finnish leaders rejected Soviet territorial demands. The Soviet aim was to annex Finland, but despite being outnumbered, the Finnish forces, using guerrilla tactics and local knowledge, inflicted severe losses on the Red Army. Key battles like the Battle of Suomussalmi showcased Finland’s resilience.
First phase of the Winter war. @ The Department of History at the U.S. Military Academy
However, by March 1940, the Soviets began making gains, particularly in the south, reaching the outskirts of Vyborg. The war ended with the Moscow Peace Treaty on 13 March 1940, in which Finland ceded about 9% of its territory, including Karelia, but maintained its independence. Finland’s defense during the Winter War earned it international admiration, though it suffered heavy losses in lives and land.
Continuation War (1941–1944)
The Continuation War began in June 1941, shortly after Nazi Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union (Operation Barbarossa). Finland aligned with Germany to regain the territories lost in the Winter War and potentially expand into East Karelia. Finland participated in the Siege of Leningrad and occupied areas in the Soviet Union, motivated by a vision of a Greater Finland.
Initially, Finnish forces made significant gains, but the tide turned in 1944 with the Soviet Vyborg–Petrozavodsk Offensive. However, decisive Finnish victories at Tali-Ihantala and Ilomantsi halted the Soviet advance and helped secure Finland's independence. The war ended with the Moscow Armistice on 19 September 1944, in which Finland again ceded territory, including Vyborg, and agreed to expel German troops from its soil.
Map of Finnish areas ceded to the Soviet Union in 1944, after the Continuation War. @ Jniemenmaa
Lapland War (1944–1945)
Following the armistice, Finland was compelled to drive the German troops stationed in northern Finland into Norway, leading to the Lapland War (1944–1945). This war, fought primarily in the harsh Arctic region of Lapland, saw the retreating Germans employing a scorched-earth policy, destroying much of northern Finland’s infrastructure. The war ended in April 1945, with Finland having expelled the Germans, thus fulfilling its obligations under the armistice.
Operations Birke and Nordlicht, the German withdrawal from Finland from 6 September 1944 to 30 January 1945. @ Earl F. Ziemke
Aftermath
Finland managed to preserve its independence, unlike many other countries that bordered the Soviet Union. However, it suffered significant consequences:
- Territorial Losses: Finland lost 11% of its pre-war territory, including Karelia, which resulted in the resettlement of around 400,000 Finns.
- War Reparations: Finland was required to pay substantial war reparations to the Soviet Union, primarily in the form of industrial goods, which spurred its transition from an agrarian to an industrial economy.
- Foreign Relations: Finland maintained a delicate balancing act in its foreign policy, declining Marshall Aid to appease the Soviet Union but secretly receiving aid from the United States. This delicate diplomacy allowed Finland to retain its neutrality during the Cold War, a policy known as Finlandization.
Despite the devastation, Finland retained its democratic system and rebuilt its economy, continuing trade with both the Soviet Union and Western powers. Its ability to navigate between the major powers without being occupied or annexed during this period remains a key part of its national identity and history.