maailmansotia

Maailmansota was the name given by Finnish historians and scholars to the Winter War and the Continuation War that took place between Finland and the Soviet Union. The term was used to commemorate the two wars and their repercussions on Finnish society.

The term Maailmansota can be roughly translated to World War, implying a broader global conflict, however the conflicts between Finland and the Soviet Union were regional wars that involved only two parties. The name was first used to commemorate the Finnish defenders who were killed in the Winter War.

The Winter War took place between 1939 and 1940, the Continuation War between 1941 and 1944. The Soviet Union had loaned Finland some money and Finland therefore became obligated to lease to the Soviet Union the Hanko Peninsula for the term of 30 years and cede Petajovesi. The Soviet Union laid down its conditions for peace on the 12th March 1940 and these conditions were met by Finland on the 13th of March.

The Continuation War was fought from 1941 until 1944 and saw Finland participate on the Axis side in the fight against the Soviet Union. The Continuation War ended with the surrender of German forces on the peninsula of the Vasa region. The Moscow Armistice was signed on the 19th September 1944.

Maailmansota was used to refer to the affected civilians and soldiers. The words often refer to the defeats and significant loss of Finland in the wars.