The Animated History of Finland

Summary

This video explores the rich and complex history of Finland, from its early settlement by the Sami and Uralic peoples to its tumultuous interactions with Viking traders and Scandinavian powers. Highlighting key events such as the Northern Crusades, the Swedish Empire's influence, and Finland's struggle for independence, the narrative also touches on the significant role of the Finnish during World War II. Despite the challenges, Finland emerged as a modern welfare state, joining the European Union in 1995 and achieving high rankings in happiness and quality of life, often seen as a model of a socialist utopia.

Takeaways

• 😀 Finland is a Nordic country located in Northern Europe, bordered by Russia, Sweden, and Norway.
• 😀 The term 'Scandinavian' is partly accurate for Finland, but 'Nordic' better encompasses the broader cultural similarities with its neighbors.
• 😀 The early inhabitants of Finland were known as the Fenny, and the region is characterized by its many lakes.
• 😀 The Vikings had a significant cultural influence on Finland through raids and trade from the 9th to 12th centuries.
• 😀 Sweden conquered large parts of Finnish land during the Northern Crusades, contributing to the rise of the Swedish Empire.
• 😀 The Union of Kalmar in 1397 united Denmark, Sweden, and Norway under a single monarch, leading to complex political dynamics in the region.
• 😀 Finland faced major conflicts in the 16th and 17th centuries, including wars with neighboring powers and internal revolts against Swedish rule.
• 😀 The Great Northern War devastated Finland, leading to significant population loss and hardship for its people.
• 😀 Finland declared independence in 1917 during World War I, followed by a civil war between conservatives and socialists.
• 😀 Finland maintained neutrality during the Cold War and established itself as a modern welfare state, joining the European Union in 1995.

Q & A

What geographical features define Finland?

Finland is located in Northern Europe, partly within the Arctic Circle, and is known as the 'Land of Lakes' due to its numerous lakes and water bodies.

How does Finland's cultural classification differ from its neighbors?

While often labeled as Scandinavian, Finland is more accurately described as Nordic or Northern European, with cultural similarities to its neighbors but distinct historical influences.

Who were the early inhabitants of Finland?

The early inhabitants of Finland included the Finns and the Sami people, who are ethnically Uralic and speak Finno-Ugric languages.

What was the impact of the Vikings on Finland?

The Vikings raided Finnish and Baltic shores for centuries, bringing cultural influences, trade, and settlement that affected Finnish society.

What significant political union did Finland become part of in the late medieval period?

Finland became part of the Kalmar Union in 1397, which united the crowns of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden under a single monarch.

What was the significance of the Northern Crusades for Finland?

The Northern Crusades allowed the Swedish Empire to conquer vast amounts of Finic land, laying the groundwork for Sweden's dominance in the region.

How did the Finnish Civil War reflect the ideological divides in Finland?

The Finnish Civil War of 1918 was a result of deep ideological divides between conservatives and socialists, ultimately leading to a capitalist victory.

What characterized the Winter War during World War II?

The Winter War was marked by the Soviet invasion of Finland, with Finnish forces employing guerrilla tactics, notably using ski troops and Molotov cocktails.

What economic changes occurred in Finland after World War II?

Post-war Finland experienced modernization due to harsh reparations imposed by the USSR, fostering a sense of nationalism and economic optimism.

What is Finland's current status in terms of happiness and welfare?

Finland is currently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world and has developed a robust socialist welfare state similar to those in Sweden and Denmark.