In the cold wind of a winter night, Carl Gustav Emile Mannerheim stood in a warm study in Lausanne, Switzerland, looking out the window at the snow. His life has been detached from the hustle and bustle of politics, and the former Marshal and President of Finland is now alone, reminiscing about the glory days of the past in the silence of Switzerland. Although he is in a foreign country, his heart is always with Finland, and he misses the land where he once fought bloody.
Mannerheim's life was a battleground and he played a key role in Finnish history. As Field Marshal and Commander-in-Chief of the Wehrmacht, he held on to the territorial integrity of Finland under pressure from the Soviet Union. And in 1944, when the clouds of World War II loomed over the European continent, he personally went to the Soviet Union as president to conduct historic negotiations with Stalin, and through wisdom and strategy, he ensured Finland's independence and peace after the war.
But behind the victory was his great sacrifice for personal power. After ensuring national security, Mannerheim made a decision that was incomprehensible to many - instead of being re-elected president, he voluntarily resigned and left Finland for Switzerland under the pretext of medical treatment. His decision is seen as a detached renunciation of political rights, but some speculate that there are more complex international political pressures behind it.
In his study in Switzerland, Mannerheim began writing his own memoirs. He knew that the book could reveal many unknown secrets and could also reignite controversy about his decision. But for a veteran who gave up everything for his country, the truth must always be recorded and understood.
And in the Kremlin in Moscow, Stalin's words, "You owe him too much," seem to still reverberate, reminding the world of the deep debt to the marshal. As the night breeze continued to blow, Mannerheim put down his pen and took a deep breath, ready to uncover the pages and chapters of the past. This is not only a summary of his personal history, but also part of the history of World War II in Finland and in Europe as a whole.
### Mannerheim has a territorial dispute with Finland and the Soviet Union
In 1939, against the backdrop of increasingly tense global political dynamics, Finland faced intense pressure from its eastern neighbor, the Soviet Union. The USSR put forward a demand for a territorial swap aimed at acquiring part of the border region of Finland in order to increase the security of Leningrad. For the USSR, this was a strategic defense initiative, but for Finland, this demand meant the abandonment of the country's sovereign lands.
Karl Gustav Emile Mannerheim, Field Marshal of Finland and Commander-in-Chief of the Wehrmacht at the time, was well aware of the military power of the Soviet Union. Faced with Soviet demands, he had to weigh Finland's military might against the potential Soviet threat. Mannerheim tried to resolve the issue diplomatically in order to avoid a direct military conflict. He suggested to the Finnish government and parliament that consideration be given to accepting the Soviet Union's request for a territorial swap, believing that it might be a strategy to keep the country at peace.
Mannerheim gave a speech in parliament detailing the possible consequences of the Soviet proposal and the potential benefits of accepting a swap. He noted that while this means that Finland will lose part of its territory, such a decision could help to guarantee the country's overall security and avoid future large-scale conflicts in the long run. However, his proposal met with strong opposition within the government.
Many members of the Finnish parliament are vehemently opposed to the renunciation of any land. The atmosphere in parliament was tense, and the majority of parliamentarians believed that accepting the demands of the Soviet Union would be a serious compromise of Finnish sovereignty. They insisted that any concession to homeland would be seen as a weakness that could encourage the Soviet Union to make more unreasonable demands in the future.
After a series of intense discussions and debates, the Finnish parliament finally decided to reject the Soviet Union's offer of a territorial swap. This decision reflects Finland's firm position on national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Although Mannerheim's opinion was not adopted, he showed a deep concern and strategic thinking for the future of the country.
After rejecting the Soviet proposal, the Finnish government stepped up its investment in national defense, and Mannerheim began to strengthen Finland's military preparations. He instructed the Finnish army in reinforcing the defenses of the border, especially near the Soviet border. He also stressed the improvement of training and equipment to ensure that the Finnish army could resist any aggression of the Soviet Union at the necessary moment.
The outbreak of the Winter War and the strategy of Mannerheim
In November 1939, the Winter War officially broke out as the Soviet Red Army crossed the Finnish border. The Soviet offensive was huge, far outnumbering the Finnish army in strength and equipment, but Finland did not give in easily. Under Mannerheim's command, the Finnish army was quickly mobilized and prepared to meet the challenge of the Soviet Union.
Mannerheim, with his extensive military experience and deep understanding of the Finnish terrain, developed a series of defensive strategies. The Finnish army used the familiar forest and lake terrain for defense, while performing tactics in an icy winter climate. The Finnish soldiers, dressed in white camouflage uniforms, were virtually invisible in snow-covered terrain, which provided a natural cover for their guerrilla tactics.
The tactics of the Finnish army consisted of setting up ambushes in the woods and laying mines and explosive traps on the possible routes of Soviet troops. They also carefully designed the hiding positions of snipers, which were able to effectively weaken the morale and combat effectiveness of the Soviet army. Finnish soldiers also took advantage of the icy weather and terrain to lure Soviet troops into a preset kill zone through glacial lakes and narrow passages.
In the initial period of the war, the Soviet troops suffered heavy losses due to the underestimation of Finland's defense capabilities and adverse weather conditions. Soviet tanks and heavy equipment had difficulty moving in snow and ice and were often targeted by Finnish artillery and light weapons. Accurate shelling by Finnish artillery units and highly mobile light infantry caused confusion and casualties among the Soviet troops.
Despite being inferior in equipment and numbers, the Finnish army effectively resisted the Soviet offensive through flexible tactics and high morale. Under Mannerheim's leadership, the Finnish army was able to quickly adjust its tactics and launch an effective counterattack at the height of the Soviet offensive.
The resistance of the Finnish army far exceeded Soviet expectations, forcing the Soviet Union to adjust its strategy several times. Despite the Soviet Union's subsequent massive build-up, the Finnish army resisted stubbornly. Finland's defensive strategy effectively delayed the Soviet offensive plans and increased the attrition of Soviet troops.
However, over time, the manpower and material superiority of the USSR began to appear. Finland's resources and manpower are running out, and domestic political and international pressures are increasing. Eventually, in March 1940, Finland had to accept the armistice conditions proposed by the Soviet Union, ending the costly Winter War.
Mannerheim's delicate relationship with Nazi Germany
In June 1941, with Germany's declaration of war on the Soviet Union during Operation Barbarossa, the map of the European theater changed dramatically again. At this critical juncture, Finland, due to its geographical location and previous conflict with the Soviet Union, was widely seen as likely to be on the same side as Germany. In fact, Germany wanted to use Finland as a strategic fulcrum on the Eastern Front.
Hitler and the German top brass repeatedly asked Finland for a formal alliance, hoping that Finland would become part of the Axis powers and participate in military operations against the Soviet Union. In particular, Germany very much wanted Finland to participate in the attack on Leningrad, the second largest city in the USSR, as it was essential for Germany to besiege the western part of the USSR and ensure the security of the Baltic Sea.
However, Mannerheim, as Finland's senior military commander, had a different view of Hitler's proposal. Despite Finland's territorial and historical disputes with the Soviet Union, Mannerheim carefully considered the long-term consequences of an alliance with Germany. He categorically rejected plans to attack Leningrad on the grounds that such a military operation would plunge Finland into war and could lead to Finland's future isolation on the international stage.
In addition, Mannerheim has shown a strong stance on moral and humanitarian grounds. By that time, the racial policies of Nazi Germany and the persecution of Jews had become apparent. Mannerheim embodied a sense of resistance to Nazism in his Finnish policies and decisions, and he ensured that Finland did not engage in any anti-Semitic efforts, despite some degree of military cooperation between Finland and Germany. Mannerheim took a series of measures to protect Jews and other refugees in Finland from becoming victims of Nazi persecution.
During this period, there were complex discussions and trade-offs within Finland on how to respond to external pressures and threats. Mannerheim's position was supported by a section of political and military leaders who believed that preserving the country's independence and moral principles was more important than short-term military allies. Mannerheim helped Finland maintain a certain degree of international standing and moral stance by insisting on an independent foreign policy and a cautious military strategy.
Mannerheim negotiated with the Soviet Union during his presidency
In August 1944, Mannerheim took over as president under the intense pressure of Finland's domestic political and military situation. The year was the end of World War II, and Finland faced tensions with relations with the Soviet Union and a changing League of Nations. Against this backdrop, Mannerheim, as the new president, will not only have to deal with the complex situation at home, but also reposition Finland internationally.
Soon after Mannerheim became president, he decided to go to the Soviet Union in person to negotiate directly with Stalin. It was a risky political decision, but it was also a crucial move to try to secure peace and future independence for Finland. Mannerheim and his negotiating team traveled to Moscow with a detailed peace plan, hoping to resolve years of hostilities through direct talks.
Upon arrival in Moscow, Mannerheim's meeting with Stalin was arranged in a magnificent conference room in the Kremlin. The atmosphere of the negotiations was tense at first, and both Finland and the Soviet Union realized that the outcome of the talks would have a direct impact on Finland's future destiny. Mannerheim proposed a series of peace terms, including a promise to pay a certain amount of war reparations and to reduce the number of Finnish troops. These proposals are intended to demonstrate Finland's sincerity and willingness to make significant sacrifices to reach a peace agreement.
After several rounds of difficult negotiations, Stalin's conditions for Mannerheim gradually loosened. According to observers and historical records, Stalin's personal respect for Mannerheim played an important role in the negotiations. Stalin was impressed by Mannerheim's position on the previous Leningrad question, and considered Mannerheim to be a principled and far-sighted leader. This personal respect has allowed the atmosphere of the negotiations to gradually shift from tense to more pragmatic and flexible.
Eventually, an agreement was reached in which Finland promised to pay war reparations in accordance with the agreement while reducing the size of its army in exchange for Soviet recognition of Finnish independence and guarantees of post-war peace. This agreement not only guarantees Finland's sovereignty and national security, but also marks Finland's recovery and reconstruction from the shadow of the Second World War.
Mannerheim's return to Helsinki from Moscow was widely regarded as a major victory for Finnish diplomacy. Mannerheim's leadership is highly regarded in Finland for his decisiveness and wisdom in winning the country a valuable opportunity for peace and development.
Mannerheim's Later Years and Legacy
Mannerheim's mission seems to have reached its peak after completing key negotiations with the Soviet Union, securing Finland's independence and postwar peace. However, at the height of his political career, Mannerheim made a surprising decision – he chose not to be re-elected as president of Finland. In the eyes of the public, the decision was unexpected, as Mannerheim's leadership and international standing seemed to foreshadow his ability to continue to serve his country for much longer.
Shortly after announcing that he would not run for president, Mannerheim traveled to Switzerland for medical treatment on health grounds. His departure, although nominally for healing, is actually more of a self-imposed exile. In Lausanne, Switzerland, Mannerheim began a relatively quiet life, away from the hustle and bustle of the political arena. During this time, he focused on writing his own memoirs, which later became an important document for the study of modern Finnish history, especially during the Second World War.
In his memoirs, Mannerheim details his military career, his days as commander-in-chief of the Wehrmacht, and his negotiations with the Soviet Union during his presidency. His words not only depict the seriousness of history, but also reflect the suffering and resilience of the Finnish people of that era. These accounts became an important window for later researchers and the public to understand Finland's role and sacrifice in World War II.
Mannerheim's health deteriorated in Switzerland, and his life became increasingly dependent on medical support. Despite being far from his native country, he is still interested in Finnish politics and society. On January 28, 1951, Mannerheim died in Lausanne at the age of 83. Although his last years were a lonely one, his contribution to Finland has kept his name alive.
After Mannerheim's death, there was widespread mourning in Finland and the international community. His military prowess, political wisdom, and efforts for national independence and peace are widely recognized and respected. Stalin's assessment of him – "You Finns owe too much to your marshal!" – was widely disseminated after Mannerheim's death, not only as an expression of recognition of his personal abilities, but also as a reflection of his extraordinary contribution to the country in difficult times.
References: "Mannerheim's Life and Military Career", "Finland's Role in World War II and Mannerheim's Influence"