Finland during the Second World War
The Second World War had a profound impact on Finland. Between 1939 and 1945, Finland fought three separate wars: the Winter War, the Continuation War, and the Lapland War. These conflicts shaped Finland’s borders, foreign policy, and national memory.
The Winter War (1939–1940)
The Winter War began in November 1939 when the Soviet Union attacked Finland. Despite being heavily outnumbered, Finnish forces resisted fiercely, using knowledge of terrain, winter conditions, and defensive tactics.
The war ended in March 1940 with the Moscow Peace Treaty. Finland preserved its independence but was forced to cede territory, including parts of Karelia.
The Continuation War (1941–1944)
In 1941, Finland entered the war again against the Soviet Union. This conflict is known as the Continuation War, as it followed directly from the Winter War.
Finland fought alongside Germany, though it remained a separate actor and did not formally join the Axis powers. Fighting ended in 1944 when Finland sought peace with the Soviet Union.
The Lapland War (1944–1945)
As part of the peace agreement with the Soviet Union, Finland was required to remove German troops from northern Finland. This led to the Lapland War.
German forces retreated northwards, destroying infrastructure as they withdrew. Large parts of Lapland were devastated, and rebuilding took years.
Territorial and human consequences
As a result of the war, Finland lost significant territory and had to resettle over 400,000 evacuees, mainly from Karelia.
War reparations placed a heavy economic burden on Finland, but they also accelerated industrial development and reconstruction.
Memory and significance
The Second World War occupies a central place in Finnish historical memory. The wars are remembered as struggles to defend independence under extremely difficult circumstances.
The experience reinforced Finland’s later emphasis on national unity, defence preparedness, and cautious foreign policy.