Finland is a country located in Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Gulf of Finland. Before World War II, Finland's geopolitical situation was different from what it is today. The country was then a part of the Russian Empire and later gained independence in 1917. In this article, we will explore the Finland map before WW2 and how it has evolved over time.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Finland is a country located in Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, Gulf of Bothnia, and Gulf of Finland. Before World War II, Finland's geopolitical situation was different from what it is today. The country was then a part of the Russian Empire and later gained independence in 1917. In this article, we will explore the Finland map before WW2 and how it has evolved over time.
The Russian Empire and Finland
During the 19th century, Finland was a Grand Duchy of the Russian Empire. The country was granted autonomy, which meant that it had its own parliament and government, but the Russian Tsar was still the country's ruler. Finland's location was strategically significant for Russia, as it provided access to the Baltic Sea. The country also had a border with Sweden, which was considered a potential enemy of Russia.
Finland's Independence
Finland declared independence from Russia on December 6, 1917. The country's first president was Kaarlo Juho Ståhlberg, who was elected in 1919. The new Finnish government faced numerous challenges, including a civil war, economic instability, and territorial disputes with the Soviet Union.
The Winter War
In 1939, Finland was invaded by the Soviet Union in what became known as the Winter War. The conflict lasted for 105 days and resulted in a Finnish defeat. As a result, Finland was forced to cede territories to the Soviet Union, including the Karelian Isthmus, Petsamo, and some islands in the Gulf of Finland.
The Continuation War
In 1941, Finland joined the Axis powers and fought against the Soviet Union in what became known as the Continuation War. The conflict lasted for three years, and Finland managed to regain some of the territories it had lost in the Winter War. However, in 1944, Finland signed an armistice with the Soviet Union, and the country had to cede even more territories, including the city of Viipuri.
Post-WW2 Finland
After World War II, Finland's geopolitical situation changed again. The country adopted a policy of neutrality and maintained good relations with both the Soviet Union and the Western powers. In the 1950s and 1960s, Finland experienced rapid economic growth and became one of the world's wealthiest nations.
Question & Answer
Q: What was Finland's geopolitical situation before World War II?
A: Finland was a Grand Duchy of the Russian Empire, with autonomy granted to it. The country had its own parliament and government, but the Russian Tsar was still its ruler.
Q: When did Finland declare independence?
A: Finland declared independence from Russia on December 6, 1917.
Q: What was the Winter War?
A: The Winter War was a conflict between Finland and the Soviet Union that lasted for 105 days in 1939. It resulted in a Finnish defeat and the cession of territories to the Soviet Union.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Finland's map before WW2 was significantly different from what it is today. The country was a part of the Russian Empire and later gained independence. Finland's past is marked by territorial disputes with the Soviet Union, which resulted in the cession of territories. However, Finland managed to maintain its independence and became a prosperous and neutral nation after World War II.
