History

# **History of Suomiland (1917-)**

**World War I (1917-1918):**

World War 1 took a different turn than in our timeline. The Russians were far more incompetent, and any defensive lines they formed only ended up in failure. The Russian Revolution only brought more chaos to the already chaotic situation. When the Reds finally took over, Trotsky's plan to abandon the defense altogether and hope that the Germans would stop only resulted in the Germans advancing even more quickly. The Germans captured St. Petersburg in late 1916 and reached the outskirts of Moscow in early 1917. The Soviets were forced to the negotiation table. The Treaty of St. Petersburg (in this timeline, Brest-Litovsk) forced the Russians to lose even more land than in our timeline. Russia was forced to release Poland, the Baltics, Belarus, Ukraine, Suomiland (a larger Finland including Karelia and Murmansk), Kazakhstan, and other Central Asian nations. The people, who felt betrayed by the Soviet government, revolted against the Reds, but let's now shift our focus to Suomiland. Suomiland was originally meant to be a kingdom ruled by a German Prince, called the Kingdom of Great-Suomiland, the idea was quickly abandoned when the war turned against the Germans (they lost WW1). Suomiland then transformed into a parliamentary republic called the "Federation of Suomiland" with a Parliament and a Democratic System.

(In 1925, Suomiland abolished the Position of President and restructured its government, making the Chancellor the Head of State and Government, essentially taking on the Role of the President. To address the void left by the removal of the President, a new office was created: the State Secretary. The State Secretary serves as the Chancellor's advisor and assists in the execution of their duties.)

**(During the Interwar Period, Suomiland underwent a series of economic and military reforms. Remarkably, Suomiland managed to mitigate the impact of the Great Depression, emerging relatively unscathed in comparison to other nations.)**

**World War II (1939-1945):**

"Ah Shit, Here We Go Again"

In early 1938, Suomiland faced frequent threats from the Soviets, resulting in multiple Border Clashes. Seeking guarantees for their Security, Suomiland applied to join the Allies and was accepted in early 1939. While border clashes persisted, a full-scale invasion was successfully averted. With the outbreak of World War II, Suomiland launched a mobilization campaign, increasing their manpower from 500,000 to 1,100,000. Even the exiled Germans in Suomiland were not exempt from this Mobilization Effort. The Primary Focus for Suomiland became garrisoning their Borders, transforming the Nation into a Heavily Fortified Bunker.

As the Germans invaded Norway, Suomiland reacted with panic, deploying several troops to the Norway Border. When Operation Barbarossa commenced, German troops from Norway crossed into Suomiland. However, due to strong defenses, Suomiland managed to repel the Germans on multiple occasions. The United Kingdom also provided support by shipping supplies to Suomiland, with submarines deployed to escort the British Cargos. The German Forces only managed to make few territorial gains within Suomiland.

When Operation Barbarossa turned against the Germans, they retreated back to Norway and fortified their positions. Suomiland launched a Counter-Offensive Operation, utilizing Paratroopers to be paradropped behind Enemy Lines, encircling fortified German Positions and capturing Supply Depots. Suomiland began cooperating with the Norwegian resistance, ultimately pushing the Germans out of Norway in late 1944. Having achieved success in the Norway Campaign, Suomiland dispatched multiple Divisions to assist the Soviets, with some divisions even participating in the Battle of Berlin.

Following the war, Suomiland received a significant amount of money and resources to aid in the reconstruction of their nation. A few months after the war ended, Suomiland decided to leave the Allies and declared Neutrality in mid-1946.

**Cold War (1947-1991):**

During the Cold War, Suomiland firmly declared its commitment to strict neutrality, refraining from joining any military alliances. Under the leadership of the dominating National Unity Party (KYP), Suomiland underwent a series of successful reforms that significantly shaped its socio-economic landscape. The KYP implemented notable welfare and worker reforms, including improved social programs and labor rights, which has made the Party very popular even to this day. Furthermore, they achieved a remarkable reduction of 50% in reliance on foreign trade, bolstering Suomiland's economic independence.

In addition to its domestic achievements, Suomiland played a crucial role as a negotiation hub for the superpowers during the Cold War. Numerous treaties between these global powers were signed within its borders, cementing its reputation as a diplomatic facilitator. Simultaneously, Suomiland underwent significant military reforms, transforming the National Suomi Army into a formidable defensive force. Some Special Forces Units in the Army were transformed into Expeditionary Combat Corps, which allowed Suomiland to actively contribute to Foreign Peacekeeping Eperations. The ECC only saw combat once in Israel under the supervision of the UN Peacekeeping Forces in 1974.

As the Soviet Union collapsed, Suomiland extended its support to the former Soviet Republics in the form of loans. East Germany, Poland, the Baltic States and Ukraine benefited from Suomiland's financial assistance, aiding their Post-USSR transition. Additionally, Suomiland offered Ukraine a debt bailout in 2014 during the onset of the Donbas Conflict.

**Modern Era (1992-):**

In the modern era, Suomiland has undergone several reforms, some positive and negative. The National Unity Party (KYP) continues to dominate the political landscape. Since 1992, they only failed at securing the first place position on three occasions, twice to the Suomiland First Party and once to the Reformist Progressive Party. The Military remains PrimarilyDdefensive, with the National Army comprising of only five active Expeditionary Combat Corps. As of 2089, Sanna Mirella Marin, representing the KYP, serves as the current Chancellor of Suomiland, while Aarne Juutilainen from the Suomiland First Party holds the position of State Secretary.