Political Procrastination: Swiss Neutrality and World War II

Authors

Maria Ott

Keywords

World War II, Switzerland, tradition, neutrality

Abstract

Among the various facts about World War II that have become practically common knowledge, the neutral response of Switzerland stands out as particularly well-known. In recent years, this renowned reaction has been scrutinized, with many accusing Switzerland of at best problematic indifference to the affairs of the world during this time and at worst near collaboration with Axis powers, particularly Nazi Germany. Though the nation cannot boast an entirely clean ethical record when it comes to its involvement in the wartime economics, these accusations seem exaggerated. The tradition of neutrality held by Switzerland for decades and its vulnerable position at the heart of an Axis occupied Europe make its declaration of neutrality reasonable in retrospect. The behavior of Switzerland during World War II, though perhaps not without fault, was shaped by tradition, its awareness of its minimal strength compared to other European nations, as well as its ultimate desire to survive as a country and preserve the lives of its people.

Recommended Citation

Ott, Maria (2022) "Political Procrastination: Swiss Neutrality and World War II," Swiss American Historical Society Review: Vol. 58: No. 3, Article 4.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/sahs_review/vol58/iss3/4