Why did the Nazis respect Swiss and Swedish neutrality throughout WWII??

Question

In Switzerland, especially, it seems like the Nazis left a big hole in the wall of their "Fortress Europe." Why didn't they plug the hole?

Thanks!

Answer 1

It wasn't so much that the Germans "respected" Swiss and Swedish neutrality, as that conquering those two countries just didn't fit into German plans, at least not initially. The Germans didn't just conquer countries willy-nilly; they conquered them for a reason. Of the three main Skandinavian countries, Finland was a German ally and was useful in the attack on the Soviet Union. Norway was conquered both to preclude it's use as a British base of operations, and to make use of it as a German base from which to challenge British control of the North Sea. Sweden, in between, was not necessary to further German plans initially, and was actually more useful as a neutral. Much trade came into Germany indirectly through Sweden, which would not have happened if Sweden had been conquered.

The issue with Switzerland was much the same. Switzerland is a small, mountanous country which was not really necessary as a German possession, and, again, was more useful as a neutral due to their control of so much international finance. A good deal of the funding of the German war machine came out of, or through, Switzerland, and that country's vaults also provided a convenient place to stash Nazi loot, no questions asked.

As for Switzerland being a "hole in the wall" of Fortress Europe, that just doesn't really work. The "fortress" concept applied more to the borders of the Greater Reich, most particularly the Atlantic coast from Spain to Norway.

Answer 2

SWITZERLAND:
During World War II, detailed invasion plans were drawn up by the Germans, but Switzerland was never attacked. Switzerland was able to remain independent through a combination of military deterrence, economic concessions to Germany, and good fortune as larger events during the war delayed an invasion. Attempts by Switzerland's small Nazi party to cause an Anschluss with Germany failed miserably. The Swiss press vigorously criticised the Third Reich, often infuriating its leadership. Under General Henri Guisan, a massive mobilisation of militia forces was ordered. The Swiss military strategy was changed from one of static defence at the borders to protect the economic heartland, to a strategy of organised long-term attrition and withdrawal to strong, well-stockpiled positions high in the Alps known as the Réduit. Switzerland was an important base for espionage by both sides in the conflict and often mediated communications between the Axis and Allied powers.

SWEDEN:
The policy of Sweden during World War II was to remain neutral. Swedish neutrality had been policy for more than a century, since the end of the Napoleonic Wars.
When hostilities began on 1 September 1939, the fate of Sweden was unclear. Eventually, only five European nations were capable of sustaining a policy of neutrality throughout the entire war, even though 20 nations had held a policy of neutrality in September 1939. Sweden was one of those countries able to maintain this delicate balance and avoid engagement in the European Theatre.
Another important factor was the concessions the Swedish government made to Germany, such as allowing the Wehrmacht to use Swedish railways to transport an infantry division from Norway to Finland, and to transport soldiers on leave between Norway and Germany.

Answer 3

Finland was fighting the USSR so technically was an ally of Germany. Norway was invaded and taken over by Germany so they could use the massive amount of electrical power Norway had to produce heavy water for the German nuclear program. Sweden was caught in the middle and pretty well had to do what Germany said, even without Germany invading them. Plus the fact Sweden was making a bundle of money selling war goods to Germany. Both were coming out good and there was no need to invade.

Switzerland is a bobby trap nation. Every single bridge and tunnel is mined with explosives. If the Germans had tried to invade, they would have found that every time their Army crossed a bridge, it would blow up with their troops on the bridge. The same with tunnels. Add to that every adult male in Switzerland is armed with a military rifle and part of the Army. The Germans would have had to kill every single adult male before the fighting would stop. The benefit of going into Switzerland was not worth the risk. Also, once again, Germany was able to use Switzerland as a conduit for cash and business transactions around the world.

As far as holes, keep in mind the southern part of France was never invaded by Germany yet was under their control. The French surrendered and became vassals of Hitler.

Answer 4

Swiss Neutrality

Answer 5

Needed the international banking system, esp. with London and New York out of bounds. (Swiss)

Sweden essentially functioned as a closet ally of the Third Reich. Continued to trade (inc needed iron ore). Why bother invading and occupying when you could get what you needed from this country without it?

Answer 6

Hitler used the "Blitzkrieg" or "Lightning War" to fight other nations. He would pretend he would not attack, then with "lightning speed" his tanks, trucks, motorcyles, and SS troops would attack.
When he talked to the Swiss, he said he would attack them. The Swiss said they would fight and stop the Germans. Hitler said he had 20 times as many men. The Swiss told him, "Then each man will have to shoot 20 times." That settled it. Hitler did not invade.
Switzerland was one of those crossroads of Europe; even before Rome, armies marched through killing and plundering. Today, most people in Switzerland speak German; then Italian. Few speak Swiss. But they are adamant; they want to be "neutral" and are willing to fight.
(Unlike most people living in the U.S., who want the good life but don't want to fight the terrorists or other nations that are evil.)

Answer 7

Nazis tried to cross, but s'land thought different by putin up machine gun bunkers ever 500ft,,Nazis couldn't get across w/out losing a great many soldier's an back down by orders of hitler saying ,they could take it later

Answer 8

Money....The Nazis used their banking system to steal from the Jews etc.