The Winter War began in 1932 with the Soviets and Finland. This was two years before the Soviets waged war against Nazi Germany. This War with Finland was a response to Joseph Stalin’s desire to expand the soviets land and move Finland's border back by 16 miles. The Finns felt attacked and thought that there must be another motive behind the soviets request. In return, the Soviets offered a large section of land to Finland, but they turned it down.
On November 30th in 1939 after many attempts to negotiate and compromise, the Soviets launched their 1st attack of about half a million troops. There were advantages on both sides, the Finns side had the advantage of having the war on their home turf. The Soviets had the advantage of their large armed force much larger than the Finnish force. The Finnish troops also had the advantage of knowing their land and how to camouflage themselves well, while the Soviets wore their khaki uniforms that stood out in the snowy white terrain. During these cold months, the Finnish troops were able to hold off the Soviets via tactics and sheer resilience. One man named Simo Hayha, a Finnish soldier was credited with killing over 500 people alone with his sniping abilities.
In February 1940, the red army finally replenished their soldiers and was appointed with a new military general. This refresher was eventually the end of the Finnish force, forcing the Finnish to surrender and give up 11 percent of its territory. Even though the Finnish lost they still kept their independence. Although the Soviets won the Winter War the Soviets suffered around 235,000 more casualties than Finland did. This conflict lasted 105 days, during which soldiers had to survive the harshest weather conditions that could be thought of while fighting in a war
On November 30th in 1939 after many attempts to negotiate and compromise, the Soviets launched their 1st attack of about half a million troops. There were advantages on both sides, the Finns side had the advantage of having the war on their home turf. The Soviets had the advantage of their large armed force much larger than the Finnish force. The Finnish troops also had the advantage of knowing their land and how to camouflage themselves well, while the Soviets wore their khaki uniforms that stood out in the snowy white terrain. During these cold months, the Finnish troops were able to hold off the Soviets via tactics and sheer resilience. One man named Simo Hayha, a Finnish soldier was credited with killing over 500 people alone with his sniping abilities.
In February 1940, the red army finally replenished their soldiers and was appointed with a new military general. This refresher was eventually the end of the Finnish force, forcing the Finnish to surrender and give up 11 percent of its territory. Even though the Finnish lost they still kept their independence. Although the Soviets won the Winter War the Soviets suffered around 235,000 more casualties than Finland did. This conflict lasted 105 days, during which soldiers had to survive the harshest weather conditions that could be thought of while fighting in a war
This map represents the land that Finland lost during The Winter War.
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