Edwin Linkomies facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edwin Linkomies
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| 16th Prime Minister of Finland | |
| In office 5 March 1943 – 8 August 1944 |
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| President | Risto Ryti Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim |
| Preceded by | Johan Wilhelm Rangell |
| Succeeded by | Antti Hackzell |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Edwin Johannes Hildegard Flinck
22 December 1894 Vyborg, Grand Duchy of Finland, Russian Empire |
| Died | 9 September 1963 (aged 68) Helsinki, Finland |
| Political party | National Coalition Party |
| Relatives | Sinikka Linkomies-Pohjala (daughter) |
| Alma mater | University of Helsinki |
| Profession | Professor of Latin literature, University chancellor |
Edwin Johannes Hildegard Linkomies (born December 22, 1894 – died September 9, 1963) was an important Finnish leader. He served as the Prime Minister of Finland from March 1943 to August 1944. After the Continuation War, he faced consequences for his role during the war. He was later pardoned in 1948.
Linkomies was also a well-known academic. He believed strongly in Finnish culture and language. He held several high positions at the University of Helsinki. He was the administrative head (pro-rector) from 1932 to 1943, the main leader (rector) from 1956 to 1962, and the government's top university official (Chancellor) from 1962 until his death.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Edwin Linkomies was born as Edwin Flinck in Viipuri, a city in southeastern Finland. His father was a Swedish-Finnish officer who passed away shortly after Edwin was born. Edwin grew up in Rauma, in western Finland, where most people spoke Finnish.
He had a very successful academic journey. He finished his first degree at age 19. By age 22, he completed his advanced research paper (dissertation) at the University of Helsinki. Just seven years later, he became a professor and led the department of Latin literature. He also continued his studies in Germany, at the Universities of Leipzig and Halle. He stayed in touch with German universities throughout his life.
As a teacher, Linkomies was known for his clear and simple way of explaining things. He focused on the main ideas rather than small details. He was also demanding and expected high standards from his students.
Changing Views and Political Role
Linkomies was one of the last prominent Finnish academics to move into important political roles. He was also known for his formal style, like giving lectures in special academic clothes.
His political ideas changed quite a bit over time. Early in his life, he was a strong Finnish nationalist. He was against Scandinavian influence and preferred a monarchy. He also opposed socialists and democracy. However, he gradually changed these views.
He was surprised to see that both socialist and non-socialist Finns were equally patriotic when the Soviet Union attacked Finland in 1939. He also realized early on that the ideas of the Nazis were troubling.
During the years between the two World Wars, Linkomies often spoke out against Swedish-speaking Finns. He also had strong opinions about Sweden and Scandinavia, seeing them as too socialist. However, in the 1950s, he worked hard to improve connections and cultural exchange between the Nordic nations. He helped heal old disagreements between Finnish and Scandinavian conservatives.
Prime Minister During Wartime
Linkomies became Prime Minister during the Continuation War. This was after Germany's defeat at the Battle of Stalingrad. His main goal was to find a way to make peace.
However, his government did not openly show this goal. They worried that most Finns were not ready for peace. They also feared that their German allies were still too strong. Linkomies also hesitated to contact groups within Finland that opposed the war. He was also very cautious about reaching out to countries like the United States, Sweden, and Britain. These countries might have helped Finland achieve peace if they had trusted Finland's desire for it.
Cabinets
- Linkomies Cabinet
Images for kids
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Edwin Linkomies in 1960.
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Prime Minister Edwin Linkomies with Marshal Mannerheim.
