Finnish alignment with Germany emerges from strategic isolation rather than simple ideological affinity. Finland had repeatedly faced invasion from Russia and was already fighting the Soviet Union in the Winter War. Britain had traditionally helped Sweden and Finland resist Russian pressure, but the wider European conflict now prevented effective Allied intervention. Germany was consequently the only major power positioned to offer plausible military support.
Chapter · 12:31-13:30
Strategic isolation and Finland's German alignment
Repeated Russian threats and the absence of British aid narrow Finland's later choices until Germany is the only plausible major-power supporter.