Finland During the Cold War (1945 - 1960) – A Study in Neutrality

A collection of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to Finland's foreign policy and historical context during the Cold War.

FCMA Treaty

Finno–Soviet Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance; signed 6 April 1948.

Paasikivi Line

A foreign policy of realism and cooperation with the USSR, aimed at maintaining Finland's independence and neutrality.

Neutrality

Finland's foreign policy approach of avoiding military alliances, particularly NATO and the Warsaw Pact, while maintaining independence and democratic governance.

Porkkala Base

A Soviet-leased naval base in Finland (1944–1956) that symbolized Soviet influence and control over Finnish territory.

Finlandization

A term describing how a smaller country maintains formal independence and democracy while accommodating a more powerful neighbor's interests, specifically referring to Finland's relationship with the USSR.

Juho Kusti Paasikivi

President of Finland from 1946 to 1956, known for architecting Finnish neutrality policy and emphasizing cooperation with the USSR.

Urho Kekkonen

President of Finland after 1956, who continued the policies of his predecessor, Juho Kusti Paasikivi, and further developed Finnish neutrality.

Paris Peace Treaty (1947)

Treaty that formally ended hostilities between Finland and the Allies, resulting in territorial losses to the USSR.

Soviet Union

The primary country that exerted pressure on Finland throughout the Cold War while allowing it a degree of independence in exchange for loyalty.

Helsinki Summer Olympics (1952)

An event that symbolized Finland's neutrality and garnered international acceptance post-WWII.

Note Crisis (1961)

A diplomatic crisis in Finland that extended beyond the conventional Cold War narratives but was linked to Finland's balancing act.

Moscow Armistice (1944)

Agreement ending the Continuation War, leading to significant territorial concessions and the leasing of Porkkala.

Karelia

A region ceded to the USSR by Finland after World War II as part of postwar settlements.

Self-censorship

Practice in which Finland curbed public criticism of the USSR, reinforcing its stance of neutrality.

Demilitarization

The process Finland underwent post-WWII to reduce military forces in accordance with peace treaties with the USSR.