What Did Sweden Do in World War 2? | Scandinavia's Neutral Power 1939-1945

Summary

This video explores Sweden's unique role during World War II, highlighting its transition from a warlike history to a position of neutrality. Despite remaining officially neutral, Sweden navigated complex relationships with both the Axis and Allied powers. The country provided humanitarian aid, particularly to Norwegian and Danish refugees, while controversially supplying iron ore to Germany. Sweden's intelligence efforts, including intercepting German communications, played a vital role in supporting the Allies. The video raises questions about Sweden's neutrality, the moral implications of its actions, and its historical significance in the broader context of the war.

Takeaways

• 🇸🇪 Sweden maintained a neutral stance throughout World War II, despite its historical background of warfare dating back to the Vikings.
• 🛡️ Post-World War I, Sweden focused on strengthening its military and maintaining neutrality between the rising powers of Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union.
• 🌀 The signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact in 1939 disrupted Sweden's hope for a balance of power and raised concerns about potential invasions.
• ⚔️ Sweden provided indirect support to Finland during the Winter War against the Soviet Union, with many Swedes volunteering to fight alongside Finnish troops.
• 🚨 Swedish intelligence played a crucial role in the war, as they intercepted and decoded German communications, aiding the Allies.
• 🚂 Sweden controversially allowed German troops to be transported through its territory, which led to significant post-war scrutiny and debate over collaboration.
• 💰 Despite its neutrality, Sweden became a major supplier of iron ore to Germany, which was vital for the German war effort, causing tension with the Allies.
• 🏳️ Sweden served as a refuge for around 50,000 Norwegians fleeing Nazi occupation, as well as for Danish Jews escaping persecution.
• 🤝 In 1943, Sweden adjusted its policies to allow Jewish refugees from Norway and Denmark, significantly aiding those fleeing the Holocaust.
• 📜 At the end of the war, Sweden faced political challenges regarding the handling of Baltic SS troops that had sought refuge, highlighting the complexities of their wartime neutrality.

Q & A

What was Sweden's military situation before World War II?

Before World War II, Sweden had maintained a policy of neutrality since 1809 and had not been involved in major conflicts. However, in the late 1930s, it began to prepare its military, conscripting men and investing in defense due to the rising tensions in Europe.

How did Sweden respond to the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union?

During the Winter War, Sweden shifted from neutrality to a position of non-belligerence, allowing around 70,000 volunteers to support Finland against the Soviet invasion and evacuating approximately 70,000 Finnish children to safety in Sweden.

What actions did Sweden take when Germany invaded Norway and Denmark?

When Germany invaded Norway and Denmark in 1940, Sweden mobilized its forces discreetly to avoid provoking Germany. It allowed German troops to be transported through Swedish territory under the pretense that they were medical personnel.

What was Sweden's economic relationship with Nazi Germany during the war?

Sweden maintained a significant economic relationship with Nazi Germany, supplying iron ore and other resources crucial to the German war effort. This collaboration drew criticism from the Allies, particularly because around 37% of Sweden's exports went to Germany.

How did Sweden assist Jewish refugees during World War II?

Initially, Sweden was reluctant to accept Jewish refugees, but in 1942, it changed its policy and allowed Jewish individuals from Norway to seek asylum, ultimately providing refuge for around 900 Jews, which constituted about half of Norway's Jewish population at that time.

What role did Swedish intelligence play in the war?

Swedish intelligence, through codebreaking efforts led by Anna Burling, intercepted German communications, providing valuable information to the Allies. This intelligence included the location of German ships and military movements.

What was Operation Save Denmark, and what was Sweden's involvement?

Operation Save Denmark was a plan for an Allied takeover of Denmark from German occupation. Sweden participated by allowing Allied forces to use its territory for operations, although this plan was ultimately unnecessary as the war progressed.

How did public opinion in Sweden evolve during the war?

Public opinion in Sweden was complex, with many citizens supporting humanitarian efforts and volunteering to help Finland, while also grappling with the moral implications of collaborating economically with Nazi Germany.

What challenges did Sweden face post-war regarding its neutrality?

After the war, Sweden faced political and moral scrutiny for its wartime actions, including allowing German troop movements and maintaining trade relations with Germany, raising questions about the legitimacy of its neutrality.

What legacy did Sweden's actions during World War II leave?

Sweden's actions during World War II left a complicated legacy of balancing neutrality with economic interests and humanitarian efforts, leading to ongoing debates about the ethics of its wartime decisions and its role in the broader conflict.