Did Sweden allow German troops in ww2?

Sweden maintained its policy of neutrality during World War II. During the German invasion of the Soviet Union (June–July 1941), Sweden allowed the Wehrmacht to use Swedish railways to transport the German 163rd Infantry Division along with heavy weapons from Norway to Finland.

Did Sweden let Germany invade Norway?

“Swedes were scared when Norway was invaded. We certainly didn’t help out. The Norwegian king was turned away at the border. Not only had Sweden chosen not to assist its neighbouring country, but it was soon uncovered that Sweden had even let armed German troops use the railway network to fight the Norwegians.

Why did Germany invade Norway but not Sweden?

Hitler invaded Norway to ensure his supply lines to the Swedish iron ore mines were secure, because in winter, the Swedes shipped iron ore to Germany through Narvik, Norway and then down the coast. Invading Sweden would have been a stupid move for the Germans.

Why was Sweden neutral in World War II?

When Finland was invaded by the Soviet Union in the Winter War, Sweden changed its position to that of a non-belligerent, which was not defined by international treaties, thus freeing Sweden from the restrictions of neutrality.

Was Sweden Allied or Axis?

Prior to the World Wars, Sweden formulated a new foreign policy called The Policy of 1812 which declared the country “non-belligerent.” Consequently, Sweden took a neutral position during the World War II which meant it would support neither the Axis Powers nor the Allied Powers.

When did Germany invade Sweden?

This affected their attitude towards Jewish refugees. At the beginning of the war, Sweden’s neutrality swayed in Germany’s favor. After the Germans invaded Norway and Denmark in April 1940, Sweden was surrounded by Germans. Furthermore, the British sea blockade cut Sweden off from the rest of the world.

Why was Norway invaded in ww2?

In March and April 1940, on the pretext of German aggression, British plans for an invasion of Norway were prepared, mainly in order to reach and destroy the Swedish iron ore mines in Gällivare. It was hoped that this would divert German forces away from France, and open a war front in south Sweden.

Why did Germany occupy Norway?

Hitler garrisoned Norway with about 300,000 troops for the rest of the war. By occupying Norway, Hitler had ensured the protection of Germany’s supply of iron ore from Sweden and had obtained naval and air bases with which to strike at Britain if necessary.

Why did Sweden allow the Wehrmacht to use the Swedish Railways?

During the German invasion of the Soviet Union, Sweden allowed the Wehrmacht to use Swedish railways to transport (June–July 1941) the German 163rd Infantry Division along with heavy weapons from Norway to Finland.

Did Germany transfer troops to Finland and Sweden during World War II?

The matter of German troop transfer through Finland and Sweden during World War II was one of the more controversial aspects of modern Nordic history beside Finland’s co-belligerence with Nazi Germany in the Continuation War, and the export of Swedish iron ore during World War II .

What were Sweden’s concessions to Germany during WW2?

Perhaps the most important aspect of Sweden’s concessions to Germany during the Second World War was the extensive export of iron ore for use in the German weapons industry, reaching ten million tons per year. The Swedish neutrality policy meant that the government could not interfere with the trade.

Are there any photos of unarmed German soldiers riding in Sweden?

(There are photos of unarmed German soldiers, with uniforms not in order, who rode in cargo wagons under watch of Swedish soldiers. These soldiers were probably prisoners of war later during WWII.) In the summer of 1940 a Swedish train rolled through Sweden, guarded by Swedish military. [s06]