[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents World War II Plus 70 Years: Seminar and Discussion Forum
First session: September 1, 2009. Last date to add: September 2, 2015.
Reading assignment: New York Times articles delivered daily to students on the 70th anniversary of original publication date. (Previously posted articles can be found by searching on keyword “realtime”.)
To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by freepmail. Those on the Realtime +/- 70 Years ping list are automatically enrolled. Course description, prerequisites and tuition information is available at the bottom of Homer’s profile.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

[samtheman]

Thanks for posting this stuff. It's very interesting.

The move suggests once more the unexpected lack of adroitness in the Soviet Government's handling of the whole Finnish affair in comparison with the Russian skill shown in dealing with the three Baltic States...

Pardon my lack of knowledge of this era but what are the writers referring to when they speak of "Russian skill shown in dealing with the three Baltic States"?

And is it possible that they are terming the blockade and invasion of a sovereign state an "unexpected lack of adroitness"?

[mainepatsfan]

It was a bit tougher for the Red Army to conquer a foe in 1939 without the Wehrmacht advancing from the other direction.

[blackminorca]

How did the left possibly think this was good?

How did they continue their support of the commies?

This is mind boggling.

[CougarGA7]

Day 9 of the Winter War, December 8, 1939

Finnish troops successfully repulse an attempted Russian breakthrough launched at 7.20 at Haukiperä in Suomussalmi.
Photo: SA-KUVA

Russians overrun Salla village

• Southern Isthmus: the advance guard of the Finnish 4th Division, which has been fighting in the southern Isthmus, pulls back during the night behind the main defensive position.The Russians regroup to break through the Finnish lines.

• Northern Finland: the Finns are caught completely off guard by the Red Army's offensive through the wilderness between Lake Ladoga and the Arctic Ocean with as many divisions as it deployed on the Karelian Isthmus.Finnish troops successfully repulse an attempted Russian breakthrough launched at 7.20 at Haukiperä in Suomussalmi.The Finns then take the initiative.

• Eastern Isthmus: the Soviet artillery at Taipale launches a week-long barrage in an attempt to destroy the Finnish positions.

• Ladoga Karelia: Soviet troops overcome the Finns at Tolvajärvi and almost capture Tolvajärvi village and the vital crossroads.During the night, Lieutenant-Colonel Pajari turns the tables with a decisive flanking attack on an encamped Russian battalion.

• The Soviet force attacking Finland is placed under the direct command of the General Staff of the Red Army.

• Commander of the Army, 2nd Class K.A. Meretskov is placed in command of the Soviet 7th Army on the Isthmus.

• Northern Finland: the Russians enter the parish village at Salla.

• Sweden: the Finnish Consulate in Gothenburg announces that 493 Swedish families have so far offered to take in Finnish refugees.

• Finland is reintroducing the Cross of Liberty previously used during the War of Independence in 1918.

[GeronL]

I’ve been gone a while. Trying to cach up a bit. Did you miss that headline about “pump priming” being a failure... thats stimulus spending baby!