Finská a československá cesta: geografické determinanty a specifika historického vývoje.

Abstract

The Finnish and Czechoslovak Ways: Geographical Determinants of Historical Development.

This paper discusses interpretation of Czechoslovak and Finnish development after the Second World War in Finnish political discussion. A negative image of Czechs in the eyes of Finns had appeared in connection with the Munich agreement and German occupation as well as during the war. This image was used after the war by some Finnish politicians, such as Juho Kusta Paasikivi, as an excuse for Finnish policy. The Czechoslovak way became an attractive slogan for Finnish Communists in 1948 because it demonstrated the possibility of a non-violent seizure power by parliamentary means and the victory of socialism in a developed industrial country. For other political parties, the Czechoslovak way was seen as a warning and served as a discouraging example. While failing to take into account the very different Czechoslovak situation, the negative image of Czechs as a submissive nation that adjusted to every occupation was contrasted with the Finnish will to resist every occupation.

Keywords: Finland, Czechoslovakia, comparison, history