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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. Image File history File links Unbalanced_scales. ... Shortcut: WP:NPOVD Articles that have been linked to this page are the subject of an NPOV dispute (NPOV stands for Neutral Point Of View; see below). ... // Main article: Prehistoric Sweden Sweden, as well as the adjacent country Norway, has a high concentration of petroglyphs (ristningar[1] or hällristningar[2] in Swedish) throughout the country, with the highest concentration in the province of Bohuslän. ... // The pre-history of Sweden begins at the end of the Pleistocene epoch at the beginning of Holocene epoch, following the last ice age, the Weichsel glaciation. ... This article will cover the time following the pre-historic era and partly the Viking Age, and spans from circa 800 AD, when the process of Christianization began, up to 1523, when the king Gustav Vasa was crowned. ... // Gustav Vasa Main article: Gustav Vasa Gusav Vasa Gustav Vasa had political and religious difficulties in his kingdom, established in 1523. ... // Charles IX Main article: Charles IX of Sweden Not till March 6, 1604, after Duke John son of John III of Sweden, had formally renounced his hereditary right to the throne, did Charles IX of Sweden begin to style himself king. ... Sweden between the years 1611 and 1718 is known as the Swedish Empire. ... The period from Charles XIIs death in 1718 to Gustav IIIs coup detat in 1772 is mostly referred to as Frihetstiden (the Age of Liberty), representing a 50 year long experiment with Parliamentarism and increasing Civil Rights. ... // The Enlightened Despot See also: Gustav III of Sweden Adolf Frederick of Sweden died on February 12, 1771. ... Sweden and Norway 1888 The Union between Sweden and Norway refers to the kingdoms of Sweden and Norway between 1814 and 1905, when they were united under one monarch in a personal union, following the Convention of Moss, on August 14, and the Norwegian constitutional revision of November 4. ... // Politics in the New Riksdag See also: Politics of Sweden The economic condition of Sweden, owing to the progress in material prosperity which had taken place in the country as the result of the Franco-Prussian War, was at the accession of Oscar II to the throne on September 18... No democratic head of government has held office longer than Tage Erlander. ... This article describes the history of Sweden from 1989 until present day. ... The military history of Sweden is very diverse. ... Neutrality: Neutrality in international law is the status of a nation that refrains from participation in a war between other states and maintains an impartial attitude toward the belligerents. ... Swedish neutrality refers to Swedens policy of neutrality in armed conflicts, which has been in effect since the early 19th century. ... Combatants Austria[1] Portugal Prussia[1] Russia[2] Sicily  Spain[3]  Sweden United Kingdom[4] French Empire Holland Italy Naples [5] Duchy of Warsaw Bavaria[6] Saxony[7] Denmark-Norway [8] Commanders Archduke Charles Prince Schwarzenberg Karl Mack von Leiberich Gebhard von Blücher Duke of Brunswick â€  Prince of Hohenlohe...

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. Sweden owed this to its northerly location in the Scandinavian Peninsula, its long-held neutral stance in international relations, a dedicated military build-up, and an unpredictable course of events which went in its favour. 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. is the 244th day of the year (245th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1939 (MCMXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Animation of the WWII European Theatre. ... The Scandinavian Peninsula is in northeastern Europe, consisting principally of the mainland territories of Norway and Sweden. ... The Politics series Politics Portal This box:      International relations (IR), a branch of political science, is the study of foreign affairs and global issues among states within the international system, including the roles of states, inter-governmental organizations (IGOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and multinational corporations (MNCs). ... Sweden is a constitutional monarchy with a representative democracy based on a parliamentary system. ... Wehrmacht   (armed forces, literally defence force(s)) was the name of the armed forces of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1945. ... Bold Bold texttext,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvMedia:Example. ...

En svensk tiger (English: A Swedish Tiger), a famous World War II poster reminding Swedes to be wary of spies asking questions. Svensk can mean both "Swedish" and "Swede" while tiger could be read as either the animal or "keeps his mouth shut," giving the poster the double meaning "A Swedish Tiger" and "A Swede keeps his mouth shut." Comparable to "Loose lips sink ships."

Image File history File linksMetadata Tiger295. ... The famous propaganda poster warned Swedes to be wary of foreigners En svensk tiger (English: A Swedish tiger or A Swede keeps his mouth shut) was a Swedish propaganda campaign (Tystnadskampanjen) during World War II, encouraging secrecy towards foreigners. ... Combatants Allied powers: China France Great Britain Soviet Union United States and others Axis powers: Germany Italy Japan and others Commanders Chiang Kai-shek Charles de Gaulle Winston Churchill Joseph Stalin Franklin Roosevelt Adolf Hitler Benito Mussolini Hideki Tōjō Casualties Military dead: 17,000,000 Civilian dead: 33,000...

Anglo-German naval agreement

Main article: Anglo-German Naval Agreement

Sweden's long-standing policy of neutrality was severely tested on many occasions during the 1930s. The challenges came from a strongly rejuvenated, nationalistic Germany. From 1919 until 1935, Sweden had been an active supporter of the League of Nations. Most of Sweden's energy in the international arena had been directed towards preservation of the League. However, the Anglo-German Naval Agreement (AGNA) of 1935 seriously jeopardized both Sweden's independence and its long-standing policy of peaceful neutrality. Signed on June 18, 1935, the agreement was a great shock to many Swedes. AGNA allowed Germany to increase the size of its navy to one-third the size of the British Royal Navy, despite the provisions agreed in the Treaty of Versailles. At the same time, Britain agreed to withdraw its navy from the Baltic Sea, leaving the Kriegsmarine the dominant power in that sea. This became a potential threat to Sweden and other countries in Scandinavia. The Anglo-German Naval Agreement (AGNA), was signed between United Kingdom and Germany in of June 18, 1935. ... Face The 1930s (years from 1930–1939) were described as an abrupt shift to more radical and conservative lifestyles, as countries were struggling to find a solution to the Great Depression, also known in Europe as the World Depression. ... Nazi Germany, or the Third Reich, commonly refers to Germany in the years 1933–1945, when it was under the firm control of the totalitarian and fascist ideology of the Nazi Party, with the Führer Adolf Hitler as dictator. ... Year 1919 (MCMXIX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar). ... 1935 (MCMXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar). ... The League of Nations was an international organization founded as a result of the Paris Peace Conference in 1919-1920. ... is the 169th day of the year (170th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The multinational Combined Task Force One Five Zero (CTF-150) The British Grand Fleet, the supreme naval force of World War I A rare occurrence of a 5-country multinational fleet, during Operation Enduring Freedom in the Oman Sea. ... The Royal Navy of the United Kingdom is the oldest of the British armed services (and is therefore the Senior Service). ... This article is about the Treaty of Versailles of June 28 1919, which ended World War I. For other uses, see Treaty of Versailles (disambiguation) . The Treaty of Versailles (1919) was the peace treaty which officially ended World War I between the Allied and Associated Powers and Germany. ... The Baltic Sea is located in Northern Europe, from 53°N to 66°N latitude and from 20°E to 26°E longitude. ... The Kriegsmarine (or War Navy) was the name of the German Navy between 1935 and 1945, during the Nazi regime, superseding the Reichsmarine. ... In the context of international relations and diplomacy, power (sometimes clarified as international power, national power, or state power) is the ability of one state to influence or control other states. ... Scandinavia is a historical and geographical region centered on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe which includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. ...

Pre-war preparations

The Swedish King Gustaf V and Prince Gustaf Adolf in Berlin 1939 to present a medal to Hermann Göring.

Beginning in 1936, the Swedish government regularly increased its defense budget to strengthen its military preparedness as the international situation was seen to worsen. Military spending went from $37 million in 1936, to $50 million in 1937, to $58.575 million in 1938, and then increased over fivefold to $322.325 million in 1939. During the war itself, military spending peaked in 1942 at $527.575 million. Image File history File links Gustavgoring1939. ... Image File history File links Gustavgoring1939. ... Gustaf V (Oscar Gustaf Adolf) (June 16, 1858 – October 29, 1950) was King of Sweden from 1907 until his death. ... Gustaf Adolf, Gustaf Adolf Oscar Fredrik Arthur Edmund (April 22, 1906–January 26, 1947), Prince of Sweden, Duke of Västerbotten, was the eldest son of Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden and his first wife Princess Margaret of Connaught. ... Hermann Wilhelm Göring ( ) (also Goering in English) (January 12, 1893 – October 15, 1946) was a German politician and military leader, a leading member of the Nazi Party, second in command of the Third Reich, and commander of the Luftwaffe. ... 1936 (MCMXXXVI) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ... This article is in need of attention. ... 1936 (MCMXXXVI) was a leap year starting on Wednesday (link will take you to calendar). ... Year 1937 (MCMXXXVII) was a common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1938 (MCMXXXVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ... For other uses, see War (disambiguation). ... Year 1942 (MCMXLII) was a common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

During European hostilities, Swedish industry had to supply an increased share of domestic goods, due the German blockade of the North Sea, as well as to satisfy the vastly increased demand for armaments. Before the war, annual production of armaments typically totalled tens of millions of Swedish kronor, but during the war, output exceeded SEK 1 billion (US$240 million). The North Sea is a sea of the Atlantic Ocean, located between the coasts of Norway and Denmark in the east, the coast of the British Isles in the west, and the German, Dutch, Belgian and French coasts in the south. ... ISO 4217 Code SEK User(s) Sweden Inflation 2. ... ISO 4217 Code SEK User(s) Sweden Inflation 2. ...

Not only was the Swedish government buying material to strengthen its defences, it began drafting conscripts. On May 6, 1938, the government called up the entire conscript class of 1923, then at the age of 35, for short periods of training. In addition to this, the Swedish Cabinet ordered that one quarter of the 1938 military draft intake be retained for further training. “Conscript” redirects here. ... is the 126th day of the year (127th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1938 (MCMXXXVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ... Year 1923 (MCMXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... A cabinet is a body of high-ranking members of government, typically representing the executive branch. ... Year 1938 (MCMXXXVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ...

In 1940, the Swedish Home Guard (Hemvärnet), was created. Its units comprised small groups of former soldiers who were equipped with rifles, machine guns, ammunition, medicine and uniforms. They had the option to buy additional materials such as skis, sweaters and marching boots. The Swedish Women's Voluntary Defence Service, or Lottorna, had been created in 1924. Year 1940 (MCMXL) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Swedish Home Guard (Swedish: Hemvärnet) is a part of the Swedish Armed Forces. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Lottorna (Riksförbundet Sveriges lottakÃ¥rer) or Swedish Womens Voluntary Defence Service, is an auxiliary defence organization in the Swedish Home Guard, a part of the Swedish Armed Forces. ... Year 1924 (MCMXXIV) was a leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

While arming itself, Sweden felt that it was necessary to articulate and enforce its policy of neutrality. Prime Minister Per Albin Hansson stated shortly before the Second World War began: "Friendly with all other nations and strongly linked to our neighbors, we look on no one as our enemy. There is no place in the thoughts of our people for aggression against any other country, and we note with gratitude assurances from others that they have no wish to disturb our peace, our freedom, or our independence. The strengthening of our defence preparations serves merely to underline our fixed determination to keep our country outside the conflicts among others and, during such conflicts, to safeguard the existence of our people." Other members of the Swedish government expressed similar sentiments. However, in the first years of the war, Sweden's geographical position required her to reluctantly cooperate with Nazi Germany and provide it with important goods like iron ore, essential to the war effort. Neutrality: Neutrality in international law is the status of a nation that refrains from participation in a war between other states and maintains an impartial attitude toward the belligerents. ... The Prime Minister (Swedish: , literally Minister of State) is the head of government in Sweden. ... Per Albin Hansson Per Albin Hansson (October 28, 1885–October 6, 1946), leader of the Swedish Social Democrats, was Prime Minister in four governments between 1932 and 1946, including the coalition government which was formed during World War II, and included all major parties except the communists. ... Nazi Germany, or the Third Reich, commonly refers to Germany in the years 1933–1945, when it was under the firm control of the totalitarian and fascist ideology of the Nazi Party, with the Führer Adolf Hitler as dictator. ...

Georg Homin, a captain on the General Staff, said, "without a defensive force we cannot follow any policy of our own, our declarations become merely empty words, and we leave the country's fate to chance or to the decision of others. With a defence as strong as Swedish conditions allow we secure for ourselves the basis of a continued independent Swedish policy." A General Staff is a group of professional military officers who act in a staff or administrative role under the command of a general officer. ...

The defence of Finland

Main article: Sweden and the Winter War

Franco-British support was offered on the condition it was given free passage through neutral Norway and Sweden instead of taking the road from Petsamo. The reason was a wish to occupy the iron ore districts in Kiruna and Malmberget.
(Borders as of 1920–1940.)

When the Soviet Union attacked Finland in 1939, many Swedes favoured some sort of involvement in the conflict, both on a humanitarian and a military basis. Sweden's interest in Finland lay in the fact that Finland had been an integrated part of Sweden for more than six hundred years, Sweden losing control of the eastern provinces in 1809. Despite several pleas from the Finnish government, the Swedish government chose not to engage militarily when the Red Army advanced during the Winter War. The Winter War was fought over four months following the Soviet Unions invasion of Finland on November 30, 1939, three months after the German invasion of Poland that triggered the start of World War II. Sweden did not become actively involved in the conflict, but did indirectly support Finland. ... Image File history File links Based on Brion Vibbers map of Europe. ... Neutrality: Neutrality in international law is the status of a nation that refrains from participation in a war between other states and maintains an impartial attitude toward the belligerents. ... The area of Petsamo (Pechenga in Russian) in northern Lapland, indigenously inhabited by Samis, came to Finland in 1920 and to the Soviet Union in 1944. ... Kiruna View from just outside Kiruna, with European route E10 left to Luleå and right to Narvik, Norway. ... Categories: Sweden geography stubs ... Year 1939 (MCMXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Humanitarianism is the view that all people should be treated with the respect and dignity they deserve as human beings, and that advancing the well-being of humanity is a noble goal. ... Year 1809 (MDCCCIX) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar). ... For other organizations known as the Red Army, see Red Army (disambiguation). ... Combatants Finland Soviet Union Commanders Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim Kliment Voroshilov, later Semyon Timoshenko Strength 250,000 men 30 tanks 130 aircraft[1][2] 1,000,000 men 3,000 tanks 3,800 aircraft[3][4] Casualties 26,662 dead 39,886 wounded 1,000 captured[5] 126,875 dead...

However, Sweden was declared nonbelligerent rather than neutral during the conflict and did accept that as many as 8,000 Swedes voluntarily went to Finland. The Swedish government did send food, clothing, medicine and a small quantity of weapons and ammunition to aid the Finns at the beginning of the war, but avoided any official military involvement. Sweden was later unable to provide the same assistance to Norway, as they had given so much to Finland, but also because it was felt it would upset Germany if they aided Norway. In addition, some 70,000 Finnish children were sent to safety from Finland to Sweden during the 1940s [4]. Year 1940 (MCMXL) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Press freedom and public perceptions

The public's sentiments were widely published in the Swedish press, causing many protests from the German government and prompting the Swedish government to censor areas of the press on a limited basis. In Sweden, the press fell under the control of several councils, despite contemporary claims that the Swedish press was free. The Swedish Government War Information Board determined what military information was released and what information remained secret. The Swedish Press Council served as a "promotion of good relations between the press and the public authorities and to serve as an instrument of self-discipline for the press." The Press Council issued warnings, public or confidential, to those who abused the freedom of the press. // The Swedish Press is self-regulated through the Public Press Ombudsman, or Allmänhetens Pressombudsman and the Swedish Press Council, or Pressens Opinionsnämnd. ... Censorship is defined as the removal and/or withholding of information from the public by a controlling group or body. ...

To say that Sweden had a truly free press was somewhat false. Sweden was concerned that its neutrality might run the risk of being unbalanced should its press be too vocal in its opinions. Both the Press Council and the Information Board issued comments such as "As far as the material received permits, attempts should be made not to give prominence to the reports of one side at the expense of the other", or "headlines, whether on the billboards or in the newspapers, should be worded in such a way as to avoid favouring one side or the other", and finally, "editorials and surveys as well as articles discussing military events or the military situation, should be strictly objective...". Neutrality: Neutrality in international law is the status of a nation that refrains from participation in a war between other states and maintains an impartial attitude toward the belligerents. ...

During the war the Communist and Nazi press was de-facto banned from distribution. A ban on transport of the concerned newspapers was imposed (since printing of the newspapers is protected in the Swedish constitution, this was a means to avoid openly breaking the constitutional limits). There are some indications that these bans were demonstration politics designed to impress the Germans while not really restricting the work of the media. [5] The Left Party (Vänsterpartiet) is a political party in Sweden. ...

Foreign trade

Main article: Swedish iron ore during World War II

A vital factor in Sweden's relations with the great powers, particularly Germany and Britain, was trade. Prior to the war Sweden had important trade connections with both countries. If Sweden had shown preference to either side, it would have threatened its neutrality and even its independence. Maintaining such trading partnerships was not only important politically, but in an economic sense as well. For example, in 1938 24 percent of Sweden's total exports went to Britain and another 18 percent to Germany. The Swedish iron ore was important to the German war effort during World War two, as Germany had an inadequate domestic supply, and other sources were cut off by the British sea blockade. ... One of the hallmarks of contemporary great power status is permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council. ... Neutrality: Neutrality in international law is the status of a nation that refrains from participation in a war between other states and maintains an impartial attitude toward the belligerents. ... Year 1938 (MCMXXXVIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link will take you to calendar). ...

The outbreak of war greatly affected trade with both countries. At the beginning of the war, agreements were signed between Sweden and the two great powers in order to sustain these vital export markets. However when Germany invaded Denmark and Norway in April 1940, coupled with a German blockade of the North Sea, Sweden's trade with Britain was cut by a total of 70 percent. Within the blockade trade with Germany increased, until 37 percent of Sweden's exports were shipped to Germany. The North Sea is a sea of the Atlantic Ocean, located between the coasts of Norway and Denmark in the east, the coast of the British Isles in the west, and the German, Dutch, Belgian and French coasts in the south. ...

Potential Allied invasion

See also: Allied campaign in Norway

There was much speculation as to whether the Allies would consider an invasion of the European continent by way of Scandinavia rather than across the English Channel. Hitler was very concerned by such a prospect and was almost convinced that the Allies would invade Europe by way of Norway. Hitler's letter to Sweden's King Gustaf V, dated April 24, 1940, said, "I have no doubt that our action (the invasion of Norway and Denmark), which at the last moment forestalled the execution of the Allied plan and which under all circumstances will stop France and England from getting a foothold in Scandinavia, will have consequences which will be a blessing to the Scandinavian peoples." The Allied campaign in Norway took place from April 1940 until early June 1940. ... Scandinavia is a historical and geographical region centered on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe which includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. ... Satellite view of the English Channel The English Channel (French: , the sleeve) is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean that separates the island of Great Britain from northern France and joins the North Sea to the Atlantic. ... Look up ally in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Gustaf V (Oscar Gustaf Adolf) (June 16, 1858 – October 29, 1950) was King of Sweden from 1907 until his death. ... is the 114th day of the year (115th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1940 (MCMXL) was a leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Combatants Germany Denmark Norway Operation Weserübung was the German codename for Nazi Germanys assault on Denmark and Norway during World War II and the opening operation of the Norwegian Campaign. ... For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ... Scandinavia is a historical and geographical region centered on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe which includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. ...

Had such an Allied invasion of Norway occurred, Sweden would have undoubtedly been grievously affected. Sweden was considered to be situated in a prime location for air bases for Allied planes to effect air raids into Germany. Even towards the end of the war, when German capitulation seemed imminent, the Allies considered an invasion of Sweden, due in large part to Sweden's strategic location in relation to Germany. ^{[citation needed]} Strategic bombing is a military strategem used in a total war style campaign that attempts to destroy the economic ability of a nation-state to wage war. ...

Communist election poster, demanding an end to foreign military transports through Sweden

Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (474x677, 122 KB) Summary Communist Party of Sweden electoral poster 1942. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (474x677, 122 KB) Summary Communist Party of Sweden electoral poster 1942. ...

After 1943

From 1943 onwards, Germany began to meet with a greater amount of misfortune after its losses at Stalingrad and elsewhere. Germany was forced into a more defensive position, while Allied forces met with greater success on the battlefield, such as in North Africa. Such a position allowed Sweden to be more decisive in its own policies and actions. Prior to 1943, Sweden's policy of neutrality was largely under the influence of German politics and the course of events that involved Germany. Following August and September 1943, Sweden was able to resist German demands and soften its stance to Allied pressure. However, despite Germany's defensive posture, Sweden was in constant fear that "the whole course of events suggested that the unexpected might happen," an attitude that was sustained until the very end of the war. With Germany's weakening position came stronger demands from the Allies. The Allies pushed for Sweden to abandon its trade with Germany, and to stop all German troop transit over Swedish soil. Sweden initially turned down such requests out of fear of inciting Germany, but over time gradually gave in to the demands. Year 1943 (MCMXLIII) was a common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Combatants Germany Romania Italy Hungary Croatia Soviet Union Commanders Adolf Hitler Friedrich Paulus # Erich von Manstein Hermann Hoth Petre Dumitrescu Constantin Constantinescu Italo Garibaldi Gusztav Jany Vasiliy Chuikov Aleksandr Vasilyevskiy Georgiy Zhukov Semyon Timoshenko Konstantin Rokossovskiy Rodion Malinovskiy Andrei Yeremenko Strength Army Group B: German Sixth Army # German Fourth Panzer...  Northern Africa (UN subregion)  geographic, including above North Africa or Northern Africa is the northernmost region of the African continent, separated by the Sahara from Sub-Saharan Africa. ... Year 1943 (MCMXLIII) was a common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Neutrality: Neutrality in international law is the status of a nation that refrains from participation in a war between other states and maintains an impartial attitude toward the belligerents. ... The matter of German troop transfer through Sweden and Finland was an important theme in Allied propaganda during World War II, and remains after the war one of the more controversial aspects of modern Scandinavian history beside Finlands co-belligerence with Nazi Germany in the Continuation War, and the...

Sweden's Humanitarian Effort

In 1943, Sweden received thousands of Jewish immigrants from Denmark. With the dissolution of the Danish government in the summer of 1943, the German authorities had decided to deport the Danish Jewish population to concentration camps. However, the Danes successfully transported the vast majority to Sweden in an unprecedented rescue effort. There, they were granted asylum, and taken in by Swedes. Many stayed in Sweden after the war. Sweden also received refugees from Finland and Norway. This, as well as the protection of Sweden's own Jewish population, was made possible due to Sweden's neutrality. Year 1943 (MCMXLIII) was a common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The word Jew ( Hebrew: יהודי) is used in a wide number of ways, but generally refers to a follower of the Jewish faith, a child of a Jewish mother, or someone of Jewish descent with a connection to Jewish culture or ethnicity and often a combination... Year 1943 (MCMXLIII) was a common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The rescue of the Danish Jews occurred during Denmarks occupation by Nazi Germany during World War II. When German authorities in Denmark ordered that Danish Jews be arrested and deported to Germany in October 1943, many Danes and Swedes took part in a collective effort to evacuate the roughly... Neutrality: Neutrality in international law is the status of a nation that refrains from participation in a war between other states and maintains an impartial attitude toward the belligerents. ...

Neutrality also made it possible for Sweden to have access to Germany, which was not only useful to Swedish intelligence but also to the Allies. King Gustav V attempted to use his diplomatic connections to German leaders to convince them to treat the Jews more humanely, though he had little influence. Count Folke Bernadotte, a relative of the royal family, was able to communicate with the German government, and relay information back to Sweden, as did other diplomats. He also contributed to saving 15,000 prisoners from concentration camps, including some Jews, as did the famous Raoul Wallenberg, who saved perhaps 100,000 Hungarian Jews. Neutrality: Neutrality in international law is the status of a nation that refrains from participation in a war between other states and maintains an impartial attitude toward the belligerents. ... King Gustav V of Sweden, Oscar Gustaf Adolf (June 16, 1858 - October 29, 1950), was the eldest son of King Oscar II of Sweden and Norway. ... Count Folke Bernadotte of Wisborg (January 2, 1895 - September 17, 1948), or simply Count Bernadotte, was a Swedish diplomat noted for his negotiation of the release of 15,000 mostly Scandinavian prisoners [1] from the German concentration camps in World War II and for his assassination by members of a... The tone or style of this article or section may not be appropriate for Wikipedia. ...

Also, many Swedish nobles used personal connections and wealth to take in, and find temporary Swedish homes for children from neighbouring invaded countries. (Mainly Denmark and Finland )

After the war, Sweden sent up to SEK 1 billion (US$240 million) in aid to its neighbours to help them recover from the destruction suffered in the war.

Sweden's collaboration with Nazi Germany

Perhaps the most important aspect of Sweden's concessions to Germany during the Second World War was the extensive export of iron ore to be used in the German weapons industry, reaching ten million tons per year. As Germany's preparations for war became more apparent and the risk of another war became obvious, international interest in Swedish ore increased. At the time, British intelligence estimated that German industry relied heavily on Swedish iron ore and a decrease or halt in Swedish ore exports could have been disastrous for German military efforts. This is a contentious view that has been debated in the aftermath of the war. Ralph Glynn, a member of the UK parliament, indicated in a message (when?) that if Sweden stopped their exports it could lead to an end of the war within six months. Later research indicate that the Germans had large stocks of iron ore to tide itself over the period required to bring its own resources into production. The British offered that, if German troops attack Sweden, the British would come to their rescue. Given that Britain was unable to prevent the successful invasion of France or Norway, the Swedish government was not convinced that the British could protect them, and opted to continue exports. The iron ore provided much needed food and coal from Germany, as well as preventing a German invasion. The Allies tried to get Sweden to reduce the export, and finally the country came to an agreement about a yearly iron export to Germany. The Germans, on the other hand, tried to pressure Sweden into increasing its exports, but without success. The Germans were still co-operative, as Sweden continued its exports off the record. In addition to iron ore, Germany required Swedish ball bearings (some of the best available at the time). In 1944, Sweden promised the Allies it would reduce the ball bearing export as well, but found a loophole in the agreement and started to export ball bearing steel and ball bearing machines. Sweden was very concerned about facing the same economic hardship that it had faced during World War I, when it was cut off from all trade bar that with Germany. This heap of iron ore pellets will be used in steel production. ... The AK-47 has been produced in greater numbers than any other assault rifle and has been used in conflicts all over the world. ... Coal Coal (IPA: ) is a fossil fuel formed in swamp ecosystems where plant remains were saved by water and mud from oxidization and biodegradation. ... A 4 point angular contact ball bearing A ball bearing is a common type of rolling-element bearing, a kind of bearing. ...

Already during the Norwegian campaign the Swedish Government gave the Wehrmacht access to the Swedish Rail System, allowing the Germans to transfer 60 soldiers under the guise of red-cross personnel from the occupied areas in Southern Norway to the still fighting Narvik front. Access to the Swedish railways was granted on condition that the number of German soldiers travelling to Norway would balance the number leaving. During the Norwegian campaign the Norwegian king Haakon VII and his son Crown Prince Olav briefly stayed in Swedish territory during their escape from the capital to the United Kingdom, but were at risk of being incarcerated and were not allowed to lead the Norwegian resistance while in Sweden. German battle cruisers in a Norwegian port in June 1940 The Norwegian Campaign, lasting from 9 April to 10 June 1940, led to the first direct land confrontation between the military forces of the Allies — United Kingdom and France — against Nazi Germany in World War II. The primary reason for... Ofotbanen is a railway line between the town of Kiruna in Sweden and the port of Narvik in Norway. ... The Battles of Narvik were naval battles between the Royal Navy (Britain) and the Kriegsmarine (Germany) that occurred in April 1940 (during the Second World War). ... King Haakon VII King Haakon VII of Norway, Christian Frederik Carl Georg Valdemar Axel (August 3, 1872 - September 21, 1957) was the first King of Norway after the dissolution of the personal union with Sweden in 1905. ... Olav V Olav V (July 2, 1903 - January 17, 1991) reigned as King of Norway from 1957 to 1991. ...

Crown Princess Märtha of Norway, born a Swedish princess, was allowed to cross the border with her three children, but was not well received. Some felt she had put Sweden's neutrality at jeopardy and some even suggested she should take her three year old son Harald back to Norway so he could be proclaimed King by the Germans. HRH Princess Märtha of Sweden, Crown Princess of Norway (March 28, 1901 in Stockholm – April 5, 1954 in Oslo), full name, Märtha Sofia Lovisa Dagmar Thyra was the first crown princess of Norway in modern times who was not also Crown Princess of Sweden or Denmark. ... King Harald V His Majesty King Harald V (born February 21, 1937) became King of Norway in 1991. ... This article is a list of rulers of Norway up until the present, including: The Norwegian kingdom (with the Faroe Islands) The Acquisition of Iceland and Greenland (1262-1814) The Norwegian kingdom (with Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands 1262-1814) The Union of Sweden and Norway (1319-1343) The...

Up until 1943, Norwegian resistance fighters and Jews escaping to Sweden risked being deported back into Nazi hands, although this happened in a minority of cases - up to 50,000 Norwegians were given asylum in Sweden.

Responding to German appeals for volunteers to fight the Soviet Union, approximately 180 Swedes ignored neutrality to enlist in Germany's elite Waffen-SS, and saw combat against Soviet troops on the Eastern Front. This was a choice made by individual Swedish citizens, against Swedish government policy. This number was small compared to most other countries (Norway 10,000, Denmark 20,000, France 11,000, Netherlands 20,000. ^[1]) while many more joined the allies, also outside of government policy. Waffen-SS recruitment poster; Volunteer to the Waffen-SS The Waffen-SS was the armed wing of the Schutzstaffel. ...

With the Skagerack blockade, the Swedish merchant marine found itself split in two. The part inside the Baltic Sea traded goods with Germany during the war, while the largest part was leased to the allies for convoy shipping. Approximately 1,500 Swedish sailors perished during the war, mostly victims of mines and U-Boat attacks.

Sweden's collaboration with the Allies

Sweden also made efforts to help the Allied Forces. At the start a large part of the Swedish merchant navy was leased to Britain. Between 100-200 Swedes traveled to Norway to fight for them when the Germans invaded.

German telegraph traffic to then occupied Oslo went through Swedish leased cables which the Swedes intercepted. The traffic was encoded with the Geheimschreiber, and the crypto was broken by Swedish maths professor Arne Beuerling [6] who also deciphered 10,400 of the Russian Baltic Navy's telegrams. Results from this espionage were sent to the allies through the Polish resistance movement. When Bismarck embarked on her raid on the trans-Atlantic convoys, Swedish intelligence informed the British. Swedish businessmen were also actively spying for the allies in Berlin and occupied territories. STURGEON exhibit at the National Cryptologic Museum. ...

In 1945, as the Allies were planning to liberate Denmark and Norway, the United States wanted Sweden to cooperate in this action. Sweden began preparing for "Operation Rädda Danmark" (Operation Save Denmark), in which Sweden was to invade Zealand from Scania. After Denmark had been liberated, Sweden was to assist the Allies in the invasion of Norway. Though this was not necessary in the end, US planes were allowed to use Swedish military bases during the liberation of Norway, from spring of 1944 to 1945. The Allies were also collaborating with C-byrån, the Swedish military intelligence. Sweden allowed Allied spies to listen to German radio signals from a station on Öland, and in Malmö a location was established for British military to lead bombing actions in Germany. Also, since 1943, Norwegian and Danish soldiers (Den danske Brigade) were being trained at Swedish military bases. Sweden also handed over the Allies the wrecked remains of a V1 rocket that landed in Sweden. Year 1945 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar). ... Scania (SkÃ¥ne in Swedish  ) is a geographical region of Sweden on the southernmost tip of the Scandinavian peninsula, a historical province (landskap)[1] of the Kingdom of Sweden, since 1997 a county (Län) of Sweden, before 1658 part of the Kingdom of Denmark. ... 1944 (MCMXLIV) was a leap year starting on Saturday. ... Year 1945 (MCMXLV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar). ... The Military Intelligence and Security Service (Militära underrättelse- och säkerhetstjänsten) is the Swedish external intelligence agency. ... Year 1943 (MCMXLIII) was a common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Sweden also set up a series of training camps along the Norwegian border for the resistance in Norway.

Swedish neutrality remains a hotly contested topic today and a factor in the Swedish culture wars. However, although Sweden did cooperate with Germany, whether it was out of coercion or preference cannot be completely ascertained.

Forced repatriation

Baltic and German soldiers being extradited from a prison camp in Eksjö

In January 1946, Sweden handed over 146 Baltic and 2,364 German soldiers who had been interned in prison camps to the Soviet Union. At least 7 of the interns committed suicide during the process.^[2] In 1970, Johan Bergenstråhle made a documentary, Baltutlamningen (English title: A Baltic Tragedy), about the Latvian soldiers who were given to the Soviets to be sentenced to hard labor in prison camps.^[3] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Eksjö Municipality is a municipality in Jönköping County, in southern Sweden where the town Eksjö (pop. ...

Impact on domestic politics

The liberal, conservative and agrarian parties were concerned about a perceived threat from the Soviet Union and were more favorably disposed towards Finland than the Social Democrats were. Among the latter a certain wariness from the Finnish Civil War still lingered. The communists were on the other hand loyal to the Soviet Union and its alliance with Nazi Germany, thus in the beginning of the war they demanded demobilization and pro-axis policies. Once Germany attacked the Soviet Union they swung around to a pro-allied view. Combatants Whites: White Guards, German Empire, Swedish volunteers Reds: Red Guards, Russian SFSR Commanders C.G.E. Mannerheim Ali Aaltonen, Eero Haapalainen, Eino Rahja, Kullervo Manner Strength 80,000–90,000 Finns, 550 Swedish volunteers, 13,000 Germans[1] 80,000–90,000 Finns, 4,000–10,000 Russians[1...

Afterward

Sweden's neutrality has been criticized by those who say it proved to be ineffectual in reality. Many feel ashamed that the government did not stand up to Germany, and many felt this way at the time as well. However, the government believed that protecting its people was of highest importance, and believed that Sweden could remain uninvolved. Ultimately, Sweden's government faced a dilemma: help their close neighbors and the war effort, or protect their own people from invasion by remaining outside. While it proved impossible to remain entirely uninvolved, they did manage to avoid invasion, at the cost of being seen as "cowardly" by some. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill famously referred to Sweden during the war as "that small, coward country"^[4]. The lack of military support for Norway has caused some distance between the two nations, yet they have managed to maintain close relations, as most are aware of the complexity of the situation which is fairly similar to the case of Sweden deciding to not to come to Finlands aid in the face of the Soviet threat. “Churchill” redirects here. ...

During the cold war Sweden's neutrality was the subject of Soviet propaganda against Sweden, implying that since Sweden was a former German ally, her independence was not legitimate.

References