Historical and Ethical Factors Influencing Land Loss in Finland: The USSR and Russia

The historical and ethnic complexities between Finland and its neighbor, the Soviet Union (or Russia), have been the source of repeated territorial disputes. This article explores how these factors influenced the significant land loss Finland suffered at the hands of the USSR in the mid-20th century, examining the role of post-revolutionary modernization and WWII.

Modernization and the Amtorg Trading Corporation

Following the Russian Revolution, the USSR began to modernize its industry with the help of the Amtorg Trading Corporation. While this aided Soviet expansion, it also contributed to the weakening of Finland's own industries. Albert Kahn's architectural firm, through Amtorg, played a crucial role in Soviet industrialization. This process set the stage for future conflicts as the USSR sought to assert its influence in the region.

World War II and the Lend-Lease Program

In World War II, the USSR's alliance with Western powers, particularly the US and UK, through the Lend-Lease program, provided substantial military aid to the Soviet Union. Much of this aid was shipped to the port of Murmansk via Greek and Norwegian ships. This alliance left Finland vulnerable, as it was forced to seek German help to defend against the Soviets.

The Soviet invasion during World War II led to the capture of vast amounts of American artillery, which was used during their initial forays into Finnish territory. Despite the large quantity of artillery, the Soviet advance was halted well outside the present borders of Finland. This scenario underscores the complex relationship between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during this period.

The 1944 and 1947 Treaties

The last significant land loss by Finland to the USSR occurred in September 1944, when Finland was forced to end the war against the USSR on the side of Germany. The Paris Peace Treaty of 1947 finalized the borders, with Finland losing more territory than the USSR originally demanded before the Winter War.

Historical and Ethnic Complexities

The complex historical and ethnic factors also played a crucial role in the border redrawing between Finland and the USSR. Historically, Finland was part of the Swedish Empire before becoming autonomous within the Russian Empire under Alexander I. The Swedish era ended in 1809 with Finland's full integration into the Russian Empire, remaining there until the end of 1917.

There are no clear natural geographic or ethnic barriers between Finland and the USSR. The Karelian people and Saams inhabit territories on both sides of the border, leading to ongoing disputes over territorial claims. The Eastern Karelia, under Russian Novgorod rule since the 13th century, and Western and Southern Karelia, in modern-day Finland, further complicate the historical disputes.

Further, the Finnish nationalist movement attempted to annex East Karelia, including armed raids into Russian Karelia, until 1921. Conversely, during WWII, the Soviet Union demanded cession of territory from Finland on the Karelian Isthmus, which Finland rejected, leading to the Winter War.

Thus, the lack of a clearly defined border resulted in both parties making political and security claims, further complicating the situation. Understanding these historical and ethnic factors is essential for comprehending the complexities and territorial disputes between Finland and the USSR (Russia) throughout history.