The Winter War (1939-1940)

## The Winter War

The Winter War, also known as the Russo-Finnish War, was a military conflict fought between the Soviet Union and Finland from 1939-1940. The war was sparked by the Soviet Union's desire to secure its borders and gain control of Finnish territory, specifically the Karelian Isthmus. The Finns, however, were determined to defend their independence and put up a fierce resistance against the Soviet invasion.

### Increased Participation from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark

In this war, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark actively participated by sending a large number of volunteers to fight alongside the Finns. Norway, in particular, was more open about its involvement. In a move that surprised many, Norway "sold" 50 of the Panservogn m/35 tanks to Finland due to the new model of m/39 that made the model now obselete. This gave Germany the Germans and others the impression that Norwegian tanks had not come far, atleast when the m/35 was shown on the Finnish front. This move allowed Finland to strengthen its defenses and put up a more formidable resistance against the Soviet invasion.

The involvement of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark in the Winter War was crucial in buying time for the British to execute their plans to help the Finns. This move, in turn, caused Stalin to openly declare war on Great Britain and the Allies. The immediate effects of this were relatively limited, but the increased involvement of the United States in the war saw more support for the war effort, earlier war production, and more Lend-Lease aid provided to the Finns.

### Alternate Outcome: Finland Does Not Capitulate

In this scenario, Finland did not capitulate and continued the war until 1945, when both the Soviet Union and Great Britain saw the need to rebuild after the war. The Finns put up a valiant resistance despite being outmatched by the Soviet Union in terms of manpower and military equipment. The war was brutal, and both sides suffered heavy losses, but ultimately, the Finns were able to achieve a better outcome than in the historical reality and maintain their independence.

### Impact on the Global War Effort

The prolonged Winter War had a significant impact on the global war effort, with increased participation from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark leading to a more prolonged conflict. Additionally, the German invasion of the Soviet Union, known as Operation Barbarossa, started in around 1942. The Battle of Britain continued and London was nearly destroyed entirely. The Soviet Union also launched a preemptive strike into Iran and Iraq to seize British oil wells.

### Impact on Domestic and International Politics

In addition to the impact on the global war effort, the prolonged Winter War also had a significant impact on the domestic and international politics of the involved countries. The involvement of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark in the war would have likely strained their relations with the Soviet Union, and potentially even led to direct military confrontation with the Soviet Union.

The prolonged war would also have had a significant impact on the economy and society of the involved countries. The increased production of war materials and the mobilization of large numbers of soldiers would have put a strain on the economies of the countries, and would have likely led to rationing and other measures to support the war effort.

The war would have also had a significant impact on the population, with many soldiers and civilians losing their lives, and many others being displaced or otherwise affected by the war. The trauma of the war would likely have had a lasting impact on the population of the countries involved, shaping their perceptions of the war and their national identity.

Additionally, the prolonged war would have had an impact on the international politics after the war. The relations between the Soviet Union and the Western countries would have been severely damaged, and it could have ledo a Cold War. This would have also affected the relations between Finland and the Soviet Union, as well as between Finland and the Western countries.

### Conclusion

Overall, this alternate history presents a very different outcome to the Winter War, with Finland continuing the war until 1945 and achieving a better outcome in terms of maintaining their independence. However, the prolonged war would have had far-reaching consequences that affected the outcome of the Second World War and shaped the political landscape of Europe for decades to come.