What was the Winter War?
The Winter War was a military conflict fought between Finland and the Soviet Union from November 30, 1939, to March 13, 1940. The war was a result of the Soviet Union’s attempt to annex Finland and its border territories, which had been a long-standing issue between the two countries.
Background
Finland and the Soviet Union had a complex and contentious relationship. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, Finland declared its independence from Russia, but the Soviet Union did not recognize it until 1920. Even after recognition, the Soviet Union continued to exert significant influence over Finland, particularly in the areas of trade and security.
In the 1930s, the Soviet Union began to demand more concessions from Finland, including the cession of strategic territories and the construction of Soviet military bases in Finland. Finland resisted these demands, leading to a deterioration in relations between the two countries.
The Causes of the War
The immediate cause of the war was the Soviet Union’s invasion of Finland on November 30, 1939. The Soviet Union had been preparing for an invasion of Finland for months, and on November 30, it launched a massive assault on Finnish territory. The Finnish army was ill-prepared for the invasion, and the Soviet Union quickly gained control of most of Finnish territory.
However, the Finnish army, led by General Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, was able to resist the Soviet invasion and launch a series of counterattacks. The Finnish army was heavily outnumbered and outgunned, but it was able to hold off the Soviet advance and inflict significant casualties on the Soviet forces.
Key Events of the War
The Winter War was marked by several key events, including:
- The Battle of Suomussalmi: In December 1939, Finnish forces led by Lieutenant Colonel Hjalmar Siilasvuo launched a surprise attack on a Soviet column near the town of Suomussalmi. The Finns were able to surround and destroy the Soviet column, killing over 3,000 Soviet soldiers.
- The Battle of Raate Road: In January 1940, Finnish forces led by General Mannerheim launched a counterattack against a Soviet force that had been advancing along the Raate Road. The Finns were able to surround and destroy the Soviet force, killing over 2,000 Soviet soldiers.
- The Battle of Summa: In February 1940, Finnish forces led by General Mannerheim launched a final counterattack against the Soviet forces that had been advancing towards the city of Summa. The Finns were able to push the Soviets back and capture the city.
Treaty of Moscow
The Winter War ended on March 13, 1940, with the signing of the Treaty of Moscow. The treaty established the border between Finland and the Soviet Union, with Finland ceding significant territory to the Soviet Union. The treaty also established the demilitarization of the border region and the establishment of a Soviet military presence in Finland.
Significance of the War
The Winter War was significant for several reasons:
- Finland’s Resistance: The war showed that even a small country like Finland could resist the military might of a major power like the Soviet Union.
- Soviet Losses: The war was a significant defeat for the Soviet Union, which suffered heavy casualties and lost significant territory.
- Influence on World War II: The Winter War may have contributed to the Soviet Union’s decision to invade Poland in September 1939, which in turn led to the outbreak of World War II.
Statistics
Here are some key statistics about the Winter War:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of Finnish Soldiers Killed | 26,000 |
| Number of Soviet Soldiers Killed | 126,000-167,000 |
| Number of Finnish Civilians Killed | 2,000-3,000 |
| Number of Soviet Civilians Killed | 10,000-20,000 |
| Total Deaths | 240,000-300,000 |
Conclusion
The Winter War was a significant conflict that had far-reaching consequences for both Finland and the Soviet Union. The war showed that even a small country like Finland could resist the military might of a major power like the Soviet Union, and it may have contributed to the Soviet Union’s decision to invade Poland in September 1939, which in turn led to the outbreak of World War II.
