Winter War – Finnish and American Perspectives on the Past

On March 13th, 2020, Finland commemorated the 80th Anniversary of the end of the Winter War. Why is the legacy of the Winter War so important to modern-day Finland? What were at the time Americans' perspectives on the War between Finland and the Soviet Union? Listen to learn more, and remember to check out further reading materials linked below. In late 2019, the Embassy of Finland hosted a seminar and panel discussion on the Winter War, where we were able to talk to both Finnish and American experts on the topic. The first part of this episode focuses on Finnish perspectives on the war, and the second part explores American points of view on the Winter War. Interviewees: Professor Kimmo Rentola, University of Helsinki Colonel Petteri Seppälä, Defense, Military, Naval and Air Attaché of Finland for the United States and Canada Professor Stephen Kotkin, Princeton University David W. Hogan Jr, Director of Histories, U.S. Army Center of Military History Host: Satu Järveläinen, Communications Coordinator at the Embassy of Finland in Washington DC Sources and further reading: - Centennial Story of Finland Part 4: Finland Fights Bravely for Her Independence: https://finlandabroad.fi/web/usa/current-affairs/-/asset_publisher/h5w4iTUJhNne/content/centennial-story-of-finland-part-4-finland-fights-bravely-for-her-independence-1937-1947/384951 - Ministry of Defence on Winter War: https://www.defmin.fi/winterwar/ - Women's Lotta Svärd Organization: https://www.lottasaatio.fi/eng/foundation/ - World's most famous sniper? Mr. Simo Häyhä: https://www.historyextra.com/period/second-world-war/worlds-deadliest-sniper-simo-hayha-finnish-white-death-winter-war/ - Yle News on Finland's Civil War in 1918: https://yle.fi/uutiset/osasto/news/civil_war_still_divides_finland_after_100_years_poll_suggests/10025538 - Eljas Erkko's full speech in English and transcribed in Finnish: https://yle.fi/aihe/artikkeli/2010/10/06/ulkoministerin-talvisotapuhe