Winter War

The Winter War was a military conflict between the Soviet Union and Finland. It began with a Soviet invasion of Finland on 30 November 1939, three months after the outbreak of World War II, and ended with the Moscow Peace Treaty on 13 March 1940. The conflict is also known as the Russo-Finnish War.

Background

The roots of the Winter War lay in the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression treaty between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, which included a secret protocol dividing Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. Finland was assigned to the Soviet sphere. The Soviet Union sought to gain territory in Finland to protect Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) from a potential attack by Nazi Germany.

Course of the War

The Soviet Union launched a massive offensive against Finland, expecting a quick victory. However, the Finnish forces, led by Field Marshal Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, mounted a fierce defense. The Finns used their knowledge of the terrain and guerrilla warfare tactics to their advantage, inflicting heavy casualties on the Soviet forces.

The harsh winter conditions also played a significant role in the conflict, with temperatures dropping as low as −43 °C (−45 °F). The Finnish troops, accustomed to the cold, were better equipped and trained for winter warfare than their Soviet counterparts.

Aftermath

The Winter War ended with the signing of the Moscow Peace Treaty on 13 March 1940. Finland ceded 11% of its territory to the Soviet Union, including the Karelian Isthmus and the city of Vyborg. Despite the territorial losses, Finland retained its independence and gained international respect for its valiant defense.

The war had significant consequences for both nations. The Soviet Union's poor performance in the conflict exposed weaknesses in its military, leading to reforms. For Finland, the war fostered a sense of national unity and determination to maintain its sovereignty.

Legacy

The Winter War is remembered for the resilience and determination of the Finnish people. It is often cited as an example of a smaller nation successfully defending itself against a much larger adversary. The conflict also highlighted the importance of winter warfare tactics and the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions.

See also

• Continuation War
• World War II
• Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact

External links

• Winter War website