Winter War: A History from Beginning to End

by Hourly History

Discover the remarkable history of the Winter War... Free BONUS Inside! The Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union was a match-up between a mighty, powerful, aggressive nation and its smaller and weaker neighbor. Throughout its history, Finland had learned that in order to survive as a nation, it was obliged to dodge, when possible, the threat of neighboring countries that possessed more people, resources, and ambition than the small country locked in between. As a predatory threat to its borders, the Winter War was nothing new to Finnish security; what was new, however, was that Finland did not immediately capitulate to the massive Soviet force. Lasting 105 days, the fighting saw the Finns mount an unexpectedly vigorous defense against the Soviets in a contest that the Russians had confidently believed would be over in a couple of weeks. The Finns, fighting without significant help from either Scandinavian or European sources, used their country’s rugged terrain and brutal winter weather to severely test the unprepared Soviets. In the end, their valiant effort was no match for the overwhelming advantages that the Soviets enjoyed in equipment and troops, and the Finns had no choice but to accept the Soviet terms before a peace agreement was signed. Wary of Russian aggression and determined to find a protector, the Finns would turn to Germany as an ally, a decision which seemed wise in 1940, given the ease with which Germany had conquered Poland. Other than that, the brief altercation between Soviet Russia and Finland might have been no more than a minor blip on the panoramic screen of the global war to come. But the Winter War had a significance that extended beyond the boundaries of the Finnish battle sites. As Adolf Hitler watched the action, he perceived that Soviet weakness and European apathy would allow him to advance, uncontested, in Nazi Germany’s quest to dominate the map and the future of the continent. As for the Finns, they lost land to the Soviets, but they maintained their independence. Perhaps they emerged victorious after all. Discover a plethora of topics such as Reluctant Neighbors Creating a Reason for War Preparing to Defend Their Homeland The Molotov Cocktail Weathering the Winter War Turning the Tide to Soviet Triumph And much more!So if you want a concise and informative book on the Winter War, simply scroll up and click the "Buy now" button for instant access!

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Ebooks, Historical

38 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 28, 2020

About the author

At Hourly History, we focus on publishing history books that are concise, straightforward and take no longer than one hour to read.

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Reviews

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've not read too much about the little dust-up that happened as a sideline during the early days of WWII, resulting in close on 400,000 casualties.

It is worth reading: there is a good deal on the intricacies of negotiating with those that have no principles, ethics or morals: a difficult task for any diplomat.

For all the reasons this book will discuss: on November 26, 1939, Stalin decided to kill a handful of Soviet border guards, blame the Finns and start a war. (Don't worry too much over that, he wouldn't loose any sleep, because adding just a few more to the millions upon millions he'd already slaughtered meant nothing to the monster.)

Two months short of sixty-years later four apartment blocks in Russia were damaged by 'terrorist' bombs. This tragedy killed more than a handful and gave Putin an excuse to start the Second Chechen War.

History does repeat itself.

Russians, the ordinary people, in the main, as with every other nations people, are decent and honest.

The authorities .................. I don't know why.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finland was truly 'between a rock and a hard place' between the world wars by having Russia and Germany so close and so aggressive towards their neighbors.  The Winter War was a lesser-known conflict between Finland and Soviet Russia between the two major world wars.  Hourly History added so much to the tale by giving specifics and telling the fascinating tale of the 'Molotov Cocktail.'

Molotov, a Russian official, went on the radio promising that the Russians were dropping food, not bombs by air, for the starving Finns.  The Finns shot back that they could tell the difference between food and bombs.  Then the Finns started calling the bombs they made (from a bottle, fuel, and a rag stuck in the bottleneck) -- Molotov Cocktails, 'a drink to go with his food parcels.'

This story shows that the Finns were vastly outnumbered and out-munitioned.  However, they had some advantages (knowledge of their difficult topography, experience in their difficult winters, fighting for their homeland, high morale, etc.) and they used them to the fullest.  However, huge numbers of Soviet troops eventually wore the Finns down.

Then, this book shows the tightrope the Finns have walked, hoping to stay independent, without incurring Russia's lustful eyes on their homeland.

[Daniel Staats · Rating 4 out of 5]

New to Most People

This little book sheds light on the war between USSR and Finland that few people know even existed. Great overview! Enough information presented in a balanced way to whet the interest for further study of those who read it. The reading time is right around an hour. The 38 pages are filled with details that helps one see this 105 day war in it influence on World War II. Read and learn.

[Steve Martinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good, quick explanation of the war between Finland and the Soviets. I was impressed to learn how the Finnish army withstood the vastly superior army of Russia, for so long. Outnumbered in every way possible, their guerilla style warfare held off the Russians time and again. They lost in the end; but only because the Soviet army had so many replacements in men and machines. A lot of good information about a war I had never heard of. I feel richer for having learned of it.

[Timothy Miyahara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent Summary without Details or Nuances

The biggest challenge for the author or any editor must have been "what to include?" when so much was excluded. The reader would be well-advised to develop no strong opinions while consuming this short summary, but at the same time, understand this is the absolute minimum for a student of the Soviet Union to know about the "Winter War."

"

[David Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Winter War

I knew the general conflict between Finland and the Soviets but not positions of the other powers: England, France, Germany, Sweden and USA. And the impression it made on the Germans.

[Anil Swarup · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much is known about the other wars during the second World War as the focus has remained primarily on what the Germans did. In this instance it is about the war waged by the mighty USSR and its Red Army against the valiant Finns.

[F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finland's issues with Germany, Russia and others in WW2 and the beginning of the Cold War. Some good information, interestingly written and bits of humour.

[Victor Alan Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best "Hourly History" pieces that I've read. Highly recommended.

[nicholas noderer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was very interesting and I learned a lot about a part of WWII that I did not know before.