Why Were Switzerland and Sweden Not Invaded During World War II?

In the tumultuous era of World War II, many neutral countries played crucial roles despite their own military neutrality. Among them were Switzerland and Sweden, valuable trading partners and potential strategic assets for the Axis powers. Yet, these countries managed to avoid invasion, maintaining their neutrality and thereby contributing to the broader war effort.

The Strategy Behind Neutral Policies

Switzerland and Sweden employed strategic neutrality policies that allowed them to maintain a careful balance. Switzerland, surrounded by Axis powers, developed an armed neutrality framework that involved mobilizing over 850,000 troops to deter any potential invasions, especially from Germany's Operation Tannenbaum plan. However, despite these military preparations, Germany never invaded Switzerland due to the country's strong fortifications, well-trained militia, and lack of significant resources.

Trade and International Alliances

Both Switzerland and Sweden played a significant role in international trade. Trade with them was particularly important, especially Sweden's iron exports, which were vital to the German war effort. While Hitler might have had some plans to invade Sweden in 1942-1943, these plans were practically unfeasible. Marshal Mannerheim of Finland, a key ally in the region, warned Hitler that such an invasion could cause serious damage to German credibility among Finnish citizens.

Switzerland, acknowledging its strategic importance, allowed both Axis and Allied aircraft to operate within its airspace. Additionally, the country became a harbor for many refugees, including Jewish individuals fleeing the Nazi regime. Although controversial, Swiss banks accepted looted assets from Nazi Germany, complicating the ethical landscape of the country's neutrality.

Sweden's neutrality also involved a delicate balance of trade and cooperation. The country leveraged its resources to engage in trade with both Axis and Allied powers. However, the German occupations of Denmark and Norway in April 1940 put pressure on Sweden to relax its stance. Despite this, Sweden allowed German troops and supplies to transit through its territory, significantly aiding the German war effort.

Vital Resources and Strategic Considerations

Sweden supplied Germany with vital resources such as iron ore and ball bearings. At the same time, the country provided intelligence and refuge to those fleeing oppression, aligning itself more closely with the Allies as the war progressed. Notably, Sweden gradually reduced its support for Germany after 1943, increasingly aligning with the Allies as the tide of war shifted.

The Case of Finland

Finland, unlike Switzerland and Sweden, faced a direct invasion during World War II. The Soviet Union initiated the Winter War on 30 November 1939, aiming to annex Finnish territories. The Finns fought valiantly but ultimately lost, and their switch to the Axis side was a significant factor in the Continuation War.

While the Soviet forces initially succeeded in advancing, they suffered extremely high casualties. The Finnish army, although running out of ammunition and facing shortages in resources, managed to withstand the Soviet offensive. This resistance delayed the Soviet invasion deeply and demonstrated the determination of the Finnish people to defend their sovereignty.

The Germans had some plans to invade Sweden but found these plans impractical, given the resources and well-concealed fortifications of the Swedish military. Maintaining a neutral stance and conducting trade with both sides proved to be a more pragmatic approach than direct military action.

In conclusion, the neutrality policies of both Switzerland and Sweden were critical in avoiding direct military invasions. These countries navigated the complex landscape of World War II with strategic foresight and adaptability, contributing to the larger war effort while maintaining their sovereignty and values.