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How Finland Defeated Soviet Russia (Almost) | Countryball Finnish Civil War, Winter War & Mannerheim

CallMeEzekiel・22 minutes read

Carl Gustav Emile Manorheim, a Finnish-Swedish aristocrat, played a crucial role in Finland's history during the turbulent periods of the early 20th century, leading to its independence and dealing with threats from the Soviet Union. Despite facing challenges such as the Finnish Civil War and the Winter War with the Soviet Union, Manorheim's leadership and strategic skills were instrumental in securing Finland's sovereignty and establishing its place on the world stage.

Insights

  • Carl Gustav Emile Manorheim played a crucial role in leading the Finnish forces during the Finnish Civil War, turning the tide against the Reds with his leadership skills and the support of the veterans of the 27th Jaegers.
  • The Finnish Army's success in the Winter War against the Soviet Union was attributed to their knowledge of the local terrain, the harsh sub-arctic conditions, and the strategic advantage provided by the Mannerheim Line, showcasing the importance of tactical preparation and adaptation in warfare.

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Recent questions

  • Who was Carl Gustav Emile Manorheim?

    A Finnish military leader with a distinguished career.

  • What was the significance of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk?

    It brought German involvement in aiding the Whites.

  • What led to the start of the war between Finland and the Soviet Union?

    Soviet accusations of Finnish artillery fire.

  • What advantages did the Finnish Army have during the war?

    Knowledge of local terrain and sub-arctic conditions.

  • What was the Mannerheim Line?

    A network of trenches and bunkers for defense.

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Summary

00:00

Manorheim: Finnish Aristocrat, Military Leader, Peacemaker

  • Carl Gustav Emile Manorheim, born on June 4th, 1867, was of Finnish aristocracy but ethnically Swedish, speaking Swedish as his first language.
  • Manorheim joined the Finnish Corps of cadets at 14, later enrolling in the tsars nikolevsky Cavalry school, graduating in 1889.
  • He served with distinction in the Russo-Japanese War, led an expedition through Central Asia, and formed a relationship with the Dalai Lama in Tibet.
  • Manorheim served in the First World War under General Brusilov, avoiding capture during the Russian Revolution due to being stationed in Odessa.
  • Returning to Finland in 1917 amidst its declaration of independence, Manorheim faced a nation in Civil War.
  • Finland's history with Sweden and Russia led to rapid industrialization and population growth, with tensions rising in the 19th century.
  • The Russian Revolution of 1917 saw Finland elect a Soviet Parliament, leading to autonomy assertions and subsequent radicalization.
  • The Finnish Civil War began with the Reds holding an advantage but was turned by Manorheim's leadership and the veterans of the 27th Jaegers.
  • The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk brought German involvement, aiding the Whites in defeating the Reds and establishing a protectorate.
  • Post-war, Finland's government transitioned, with Manorheim resigning due to differing goals with the Germans, leading to a new form of government and relations with the Soviet Union.

16:13

Soviet-Finnish War: Terrain, Tactics, and Triumph

  • On November 26th, seven artillery shells landed 800 meters inside Soviet territory, leading to a furious note from the Soviet government accusing the Finns of firing them, despite Finnish guns being deep inside Finland.
  • Helsinki protested its innocence, but the Kremlin issued a public note declaring war on Finland, leading to bombings in Helsinki and the start of the war.
  • The Finnish Army, lacking tanks, anti-air weapons, and ammunition, faced the Red Army, which overestimated its capabilities, suffering from poor tactics and leadership.
  • The Finnish terrain, sub-arctic conditions, and knowledge of local terrain gave them an advantage, despite the Russian numerical superiority.
  • The Mannerheim Line, a network of trenches and bunkers, proved a formidable obstacle, with Finnish troops well-prepared for defense.
  • The main Soviet attack on the Karelian Isthmus faced Finnish resistance, with Finnish troops developing tactics to handle Soviet tanks effectively.
  • A Finnish counter-offensive faced challenges due to lack of supplies, exhaustion, and blizzard conditions, resulting in casualties and frostbite.
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