How did Switzerland remain neutral during World War II?

Question

During World War II 9at least to my understanding), Switzerland was fascist but remained neutral throughout the whole world. Hitler promised not to attack every European Country from England to the U.S.S.R. So how did Switzerland remain the only country in Europe to not be attacked by Hitler even though Switzerland is right next to the heart of Germany and is a prime industrial target?! What did Switzerladn have to do to remain neutral during Hitler's wrath?

Answer 1

The Swiss cooperated with Germany with trade, banking services, and most important, by allowing free passage of trains between Germany and Italy which was necessary for their war effort. If Germany invaded Switzerland the railroad bridges in the Alps would have been destroyed and Guerrillas would have kept the railroad from operating. Germany had more to lose than to gain from an early invasion, but they probably intended to incorporate the Swiss in their "German speaking" empire once the had achieved victory over the allies.

Answer 2

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How did Switzerland remain neutral during World War II?
During World War II 9at least to my understanding), Switzerland was fascist but remained neutral throughout the whole world. Hitler promised not to attack every European Country from England to the U.S.S.R. So how did Switzerland remain the only country in Europe to not be attacked by Hitler even...

Answer 3

Switzerland Ww2

Answer 4

I am going to leave out the banking role Switzerland played and focus purely on military aspect.

1) Switzerland took careful note of how Neutrality of Belgium was conveniently violated and took military steps to turn their country into a fortress.

2) Switzerland had conscript army that was well trained and well-equipped.

3) They had plans to blow up key bridges and railroad that would hamper the invasion.

4) Switzerland is for the most part, mountenaous country that has proven to be difficult for army to traverse.

5) Germans knew that invasion of Switzerland would be a costly endeavor that had little benefit. Thus, they chose to respect its neutrality.

Answer 5

Switzerland was and still is the banker for Europe. Hitler had to respect their neutrality because German funds were being siphoned through Switzerland to other countries. Most of the Nazi heirarchy also kept large accounts in Switzerland. It's only been recently that Switzerland has acknowledged they still have funds on deposit that belonged to people killed in the Holocaust--some deposited by the Nazis who robbed them.

Answer 6

By being Hitlers Banker.

The wealth stolen from the jews (sorry holocaust denyers) was sent to Switzerland to be laundered.

The Swiss Banks financed the "Third reich".

Attacking through the Alps would force an army through narrow passes, which are easily defended, (see USSR in Afganistan).

Answer 7

Two reasons: 1) Most Swiss owned their own guns and were militarily trained to use them. Nazis, deep down were best at attacking unarmed peasants, like in Poland, Russia etc. They would not have liked to have gone house to house in a country like Switzerland, as well attacking their own Germanic Aryan brothers... Not politically feasible.
2)Also, they needed somewhere to stash their cash, and it is well documented that the Swiss conspired with them to launder their dirty cash, what they stole from the jews.