2.1 20th Century Politics

2.1 20th Century Politics

Finland had gained its independence in 1917. Just a month after that Finland drifted into civil war. The non-socialist White forces defeated the socialist Red forces. Finland became a parliamentary republic with strong presidential powers.

The Soviet Union attacked Finland in 1939. During the 100-day Winter War, Finland stubbornly defended itself and avoided occupation. The nation's integration and increasing affluence helped it to survive. The Second World War ended harshly for Finland, though. The nation retained its independence but had to cede considerable amounts of territory and pay huge war reparations to the Soviet Union.

Finland became a victim of the Cold War. However it was not occupied. It preserved its Western democracy and economic system. Since its political life was fragmented, President Urho Kekkonen's political power grew to exceptional proportions.

Finnish 20th century history in a nutshell

1917 Finland gains independence
1918 Civil War between the Whites and Reds
1919 Finnish constitution ratified
1920 Peace treaty with Soviet Russia
1939 Soviet Union attacks Finland, Winter War begins
1940 Peace treaty with Soviet Union, Finland loses much territory
1941 Finland joins war as co-belligerent of Germany
1944 Finland signs separate peace with Soviet Union
German troops expelled from Finland

Finnish Cold War Era in a nutshell

1947 Treaty of Paris signed
1948 Finland and the Soviet Union sign Treaty of Friendship, Co-Operation and Mutual Assistance (FCMA)
1955 Soviet Union returns Porkkala naval base area, Finland becomes member of United Nation and Nordic Council.
1956 J. K. Paasikivi's presidential term ends; Urho Kekkonen inaugurated
1961 Finland becomes associate member of European Free Trade Association (EFTA)
1973 Finland signs free trade agreement with the European Economic Community (EEC)
1975 Conference on Security and Co-Operation in Europe (CSCE) summit in Helsinki
1982 Urho Kekkonen leaves office; Mauno Koivisto inaugurated
1986 Finland becomes full member of EFTA