Finland, Republic, 1 Markka – 1922

Description

The February revolution in Russia had already questioned the permanence of Finland in the Russian Empire, especially for the social-democrats. But the October revolution, convinced the conservative parties of the need to proclaim independence. This statement was quickly recognized by the Soviet Federative Socialist Republic of Russia of Lenin. But just three weeks later, a coup d”etat launched by the Prosoviets, would begin the Civil War, which would conclude with the victory of the whites, and the creation of a liberal court in 1919, after a brief monarchical essay. The border with Russia was agreed in the Tartu Treaty of 1920, and relations with the Soviet Union would be the main international concern of the young republic. In 1939, three months after the beginning of World War II, the Soviet Union made aggressive demands of territory in Finland that were not satisfied, starting the winter war. The Red Army suffered severe losses, but the war ended in March 1940 with the transfer of 11% of the Finnish territory. With the beginning of Operation Barbarroja, Finland allied with Germany in the so -called “War of continuation” against the Soviet Union. In September 1944 Finland signed the armistice with the Soviet Union. The subsequent agreement with the Soviet Union implied more territorial losses and the payment of repairs that stimulated the industrialization of the country. Finland rejected the Marshall Plan, according to Soviet desires, although Western aid came discreetly with the aim of preserving stability in the area. Finland knew how to accommodate as a neutral country, closely linked to the West, but with important links with the Soviet Union. In 1981, he joined CEE, and in 1995 to the European Union, being one of the first Eurozone countries in 2001.