Background Military history of Finland during World War II



the grand duchy of finland, country named until 1917.


in 1809, russian empire conquered finland sweden in finnish war. finland entered personal union russian empire grand duchy extensive autonomy. during period of russian rule country prospered. however, in 20th century russia tightened grip on finland, causing widespread resentment. when revolution broke out in russia in 1917, finland declared independence. in 1918 finnish civil war broke out between right-wing government supporters , left-wing rebels. war ended victory of government forces, supported germany, , expulsion of russian troops.


during inter-war period, relationship between finland , soviet union tense. elements in finland maintained dream of greater finland included soviet-controlled part of karelia. proximity of finnish border leningrad (now saint petersburg) caused worry in soviet leadership.


on 23 august 1939 nazi germany , soviet union signed molotov-ribbentrop pact. secret clause of agreement marked finland part of soviet sphere of influence. on 12 october soviet union started negotiations finland concerning parts of finnish territory, karelian isthmus, gulf of finland islands , hanko peninsula. no agreement reached. on 26 november soviet union accused finnish army of shelling village of mainila. subsequently found soviets had in fact shelled own village create excuse withdraw non-aggression pact finland. on 30 november soviet union attacked finland. attack denounced league of nations and, result, soviet union expelled body on 14 december.








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