The Winter War is a significant military conflict in history, fought between Finland and the Soviet Union from 30 November 1939 to 13 March 1940. This war presented a unique example of patience and efficient strategy of small and resource-limited nations. This war lasted for 105 days. A small country like Finland stood strong against Russia.
The roots of this war were related to the expansionist policies of the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union had demanded from Finland areas near its border, so that it could protect Leningrad (today’s St. Petersburg). Stalin demanded that Finland’s border with Russia be moved back 16 miles along the Karelian Isthmus, to create a buffer zone around the city of Leningrad.
Soviet Russia had asked for a buffer zone from Finland
He also wanted Finland to cede several islands in the Gulf of Finland and to lease the Soviet territory on the Hanko Peninsula for the construction of a naval base. The Soviet Union offered Russia large tracts of territory as part of the deal, but Finland was suspicious of their intentions and rejected it. On November 30, 1939, after several ultimatums and failed negotiations, the Soviet Red Army invaded Finland with half a million troops.
The name of Molotov cocktail came into the headlines
This war later came to be known as ‘Winter War’. During this war, Finnish soldiers made effective use of ‘Molotov Cocktail’ (homemade bomb), which later became famous. Despite its military weakness, Finland made efficient use of its familiar geography and guerrilla warfare tactics in the war.
A small country showed amazing bravery
The Finnish forces, with the help of their small but energetic troops and ski troops, inflicted heavy losses on the Soviet army. Finland’s defensive border played an important role in stopping Soviet forces. This battle became a symbol of Finland’s courage and strategic skill. The conflict in Finland attracted the attention of Western countries, especially Britain and France. The battle demonstrated how a small but organized army could withstand a larger military power.
This is how the war ended
Although the Finns put up a strong resistance during the winter of 1939–1940, their forces were ultimately no match for the enormity of the Red Army. In February 1940, after the largest artillery bombardment since World War I, the Soviets resumed their attack and demolished the Finnish defenses on the Karelian Isthmus. Being on the brink, Finland agreed to peace terms the following month.
Also read: Hitler’s army could not conquer Moscow even after reaching it, know the story of Operation Typhoon
Russia had to hand over its 11% share
The war ended with the signing of the Moscow Peace Treaty on 13 March 1940. Finland retained its sovereignty, but was forced to cede some areas to the Soviet Union. Under this treaty, Finland had to cede about 11% of its land (the Karelian Isthmus and the areas near Lake Ladoga) to the Soviet Union.
Also read: When the last battle of the First World War was fought, this is how the Great War ended
major events
Canute the Great became king of England on 30 November 1016. Canute the Great established his rule over England and united it with Denmark and Norway. Which was called ‘North Sea Empire’.
The Great Northern War began on 30 November 1700. An important phase of this war began between Sweden and Russia. Which influenced the politics of Northern Europe.
The first official international football match took place on 30 November 1872. The first international football match was played between England and Scotland in Glasgow, Scotland.
Barbados gained independence on 30 November 1966. Barbados gained independence from the United Kingdom and became an independent nation.
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