Xant, Here is the history of your country. A lot of instructive.
Fought long fought Russia and Sweden . In 1323 is Schliesselburg peace Treaty, which stipulates that the Western and southern part of Finland, departs the control of Sweden and East Finland - Russia. Later to the 18th century Sweden loses in the war with Russia. In 1809 the whole territory of today's Finland is under the control of Russia. The people of Finland within the Russian Empire. They first receives the status of autonomy. A new state - the Grand Duchy of Finland. The country now has its own government - the Senate. Finland had its own currency, and formed a separate Finnish troops!
After the revolution in Russia there is a dissolution of the Russian Empire. In December 1917, Finland declared independence. Then between Finland and the USSR there were four wars. Twice attacked the troops Finland Russia between 1918 to 1922. Were busy Pe4enga region (Petsamo) and part peninsulas Average and Rybachiy. This Victory Finland.
From 1939 to 1940. Russia invaded Finland. The red Army wanted to keep in the period from two weeks to a month. The Finnish command, hoped that the army will be able to independently keep the opponent at least six months. Both plans have collapsed. The Soviet Union had underestimated the strength of Finland, Finland has made too big bet on the assistance of foreign powers, and on the reliability of their fortifications.
Goebbels and A.Gitler then, wrote: "the Russian army is little purpose. Poorly is guided by and, even worse, armed..." "...the catastrophic state of the Russian army. She ain't hardly able to fights... It is possible that the average level of intelligence of the Russian does not allow them to produce modern weapons." "In Finland, the Russians are not promoted. It seems that in fact the Red army is little purpose". «More of Russians still can't get... For us it was very good». "Moscow is very weak militarily..." (Dave, don't like it?)
However, When Stalin offered Finam end the war, they quickly agreed. And ceded to the Soviet Union strategically important areas. Helsinki gave up to Moscow Karelian isthmus with the city of Viipuri, North-Eastern shore of lake Ladoga, the port of Hanko and Rybachiy Peninsula. Much more than the demanded Moscow before the war. Commander in chief of the Finnish army of Marshal Mannerheim then said: "the Russian soldiers are learning fast, all quick to grasp operate without delay, easy to follow a discipline, differ courage and sacrifice and ready to fight to the last round, despite the hopelessness of the situation."
In 1941, in Alliance with Germany, the Finnish troops attack the Soviet Union. Including in 1941-1944 ensure the blockade of Leningrad from the North. Finnish President ryti then said: «...Leningrad must eliminate ...»
Finland surrendered in September 1944. German troops, in large forces stationed in the North of Finland, have not wished to leave the country. And Finnish army already in conjunction with the red Army led against them fighting (Lapland war).
US congressmen said at the time:«Despite significant losses inflicted by the war, Finland was able to maintain its independence. However, whether the USSR vitally interested in it, there is no doubt that the Finnish independence, would be destroyed. Finland withdrew from the war with the understanding of this fact and spirit to create the new and constructive relationship with the Soviet Union». The territory of Finland is now less than before 1941., however, the independence of Finns still left.
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