Thursday 26 January 2012

What world countries were not heavily involved in World War II?

The
nameseems to indicate that ever country around the globe was involved in some way. However,
there were a few countries who were able to keep out of the war, or at least remain less
involved than others.

It is important to remember that just because a country
was neutral does not mean that it wasnt involved in the conflict somehow. There were eight
countries that declared neutrality; Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, The Vatican, Andorra,
Ireland and Liechtenstein. However, all of these countries were still involved in small
ways.

Switzerland was neutral, but collaborated with the Nazi regime
financially by hiding German wealth in its banking system.

Sweden allowed
German troops to use its railroads during their invasion of Russia. They also allowed Norwegian
and German soldiers to travel across the country frequently. Later, they allowed Danish and
Norwegian refugees to train in their country for the eventual liberation of their
countries.

Lichtenstein remained very much out of the conflict, but because
of their historical ties to Austria and Germany , they had lands expropriated by Allied nations
at the wars end. They also, like their neighbor Switzerland, became a depository of treasures
and heirlooms.

Spain was too torn up from their own Civil War to get
involved, but sent aid to their fellow fascist nations throughout the war.


Irelands people overwhelmingly voted for neutrality, but 34,000 Irishmen volunteered to
fight for Britain and the Allies.

Portugal exported goods to both fascist and
allied nations during the war.

Andorra was used as a smuggling route between
Spain and Vichy France and was eventually occupied by Charles du Galle when he retook France
with the allies.

The Vatican remained untouched during the war despite
harassment from both Germany and Italy. It gave refuge to some jews and allowed its walls to be
used for communication between the axis and the allies.

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