How did Finland's territory change over time?

During the Middle Ages, Finland was part of Sweden, but in 1809 it was taken by Russia and became an autonomous region within the Russian Empire.

Following the Russian Revolution, Finland declared independence in 1917, but soon after fell into a civil war between the Reds and Whites. After the conflict and the Russian Civil War, Finland gained Petsamo, giving it access to the Arctic Ocean.

In 1939, the Soviet Union invaded Finland, leading to the Winter War, where Finland lost parts of Karelia and Salla despite strong resistance. During World War II, Finland later allied with Germany in an attempt to regain its lost territory, but was eventually pushed back by the Soviets.

In 1944, Finland signed a separate peace agreement with the Soviet Union, losing additional territory, including Petsamo, which established the modern borders of Finland.

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