maauudistus

Maauudistus refers to land reform in Finland. Historically, significant land reforms occurred in Finland, particularly after World War II. These reforms aimed to redistribute land, often from large estates and state-owned properties, to smaller farmers and landless individuals. The primary motivations behind these reforms included social justice, increasing agricultural productivity, and ensuring a more equitable distribution of land ownership.

The most prominent period for maauudistus was in the aftermath of the Winter War and the Continuation War. Finland had to resettle a large number of evacuees from Karelia and other ceded territories. This necessitated a large-scale redistribution of agricultural land to provide new homesteads for these displaced families. State land was a major source for this resettlement, alongside land acquired through various legal mechanisms.

Maauudistus had a profound impact on Finnish society and its agricultural sector. It helped to create a class of independent small farmers, contributing to rural stability. While the reforms were complex and involved considerable administrative effort, they are generally seen as having been successful in achieving their immediate objectives of land redistribution and resettlement. The concept of land reform continues to be relevant in discussions about land use and ownership, though the scale and nature of interventions have evolved since the post-war era.