After the war

Video: Hetta rises from the ashed (1951) Lapland

J. K. Paasikivi (1870-1956), whose aim was to improve relations with the Soviet Union, was elected president in 1946. The Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance concluded between the countries in 1948 provided the foundation of what is known as the 'Paasikivi Line'. In subsequent years, Finland's international position grew stronger. The Olympics were held in Helsinki in 1952, and in 1955 Finland joined both the United Nations and the Nordic Council.

Urho Kekkonen, who was elected president in 1956, worked to increase Finland's latitude in foreign policy by pursuing an active policy of neutrality. This was evident for instance in initiatives taken by Finland such as the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe held in Helsinki in summer 1975. When Urho Kekkonen, who had led Finland for a quarter of a century, resigned because of poor health, Mauno Koivisto was elected president in 1982.

1950-ies.