World War II (WWII) was one of the most devastating wars in human history, causing immeasurable casualties and destruction. It pitted the Allied forces led by the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union against the Axis powers of Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and Imperial Japan. During the six years of the war, millions of soldiers and civilians died, and many lives were changed forever. While most of the countries in the world were aligned to either the Allied forces or the Axis powers, there were a handful of countries that elected to remain neutral, often referred to as non-belligerents. This article will discuss the countries that chose to remain neutral during WWII.
Understanding Neutrality
Neutrality is a state of being where one does not take sides in conflicts or wars. A neutral country will not provide support to either side and will utlimately try to remain as separate as possible from any sort of combat. During WWII, while some countries allied with one side or another, other countries made a conscious decision to remain neutral. This decision was often done out of necessity due to geographic positioning, domestic circumstances, or geopolitical concerns.
Neutral countries were expected to stay out of a conflict unless first attacked. Furthermore, they were not permitted to support either side militarily or economically and were required to remain impartial. The rules governing neutrality were set forth in the Hague Conventions and the Kellog–Briand Pact of 1928.
Countries That Remained Neutral
Ireland
Prior to the outbreak of WWII, Ireland had already declared full independence from the United Kingdom. Despite the impacts of WWl, the Irish government chose to remain neutral during WWII and implemented a system of control to ensure that it abided by this policy. Although some Irish volunteers enlisted in the Allied forces, the country refrained from any active involvement in the war. During WWII, Ireland declared that it would remain neutral and stayed true to this policy despite the efforts of the British government to convince it to join the war.
Switzerland
Switzerland declared neutrality prior to the outbreak of WWI, and opted to stay out of the conflict during WWII. Its neutrality was guaranteed by the Treaty of London (1915), which prevented Switzerland from participating in World War I and any other conflicts. Furthermore, Switzerland’s geographic location and mountainous terrain provided the country with natural defenses that made it difficult to invade. As a result, the government was able to stay true to its policy of neutrality without any external pressure.
Sweden
Sweden’s policy of neutrality started as early as the mid-19th century as the country was a major exporter of iron ore to both sides of the conflict. As a result, the country relied heavily on its diplomatic relations to navigate the war. Additionally, the country was surrounded by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, prompting the government to take a stance of neutrality in order to protect itself. Despite having strong ties to both sides, Sweden managed to remain neutral throughout the war, and its neutrality was formally recognized in October 1945.
Spain
While Spain was officially a non-belligerent country during WWII, it had a complicated relationship with both the Allied and Axis forces. During the early years of the war, Spain was ruled by a fascist dictator, Francisco Franco, who was sympathetic to Hitler’s ideology. Franco’s government provided weapons, troops, and resources to Nazi Germany, making it a tenuous non-belligerent. However, Spain’s official policy remained neutral and the country refrained from declaring war on any of the sides.
Portugal
Portugal, a former colony of the United Kingdom, declared neutrality soon after the outbreak of WWII. In an effort to protect its neutrality, the Portuguese government refused to grant transit rights to either side. Additionally, the government refused to grant permission to any Allied forces in using the Azores as a strategic base. Portugal was also a major supplier of raw materials, such as tungsten, to Nazi Germany, which not only ensured its neutrality but also kept the country’s economy afloat during the duration of the war. As a result, Portugal was able to remain out of the conflict and preserve neutrality.
Denmark
Like Portugal, Denmark declared neutrality at the start of the war. Despite having close relations with resurgent Nazi Germany, the country avoided being forcefully occupied by the Axis powers and kept its neutrality throughout the war. As part of its strategy, the government refrained from taking strong stances against either side, choosing instead to toe the neutral line. Additionally, the country had a strong policy of not allowing military troops to enter its borders, making sure it remained out of the conflict.
Benefits of Staying Neutral
Countries that chose to stay neutral during WWII were able to avoid the destruction and displacement that came along with the war. Additionally, many of the countries that remained neutral were able to preserve their resources and economies as a result of their neutrality. Furthermore, the humanitarian aid programs implemented by some of the neutral countries allowed them to build stronger relationships and connections with other nations.
World War II was one of the deadliest conflicts in human history and its impact was felt across the globe. While most countries sided with either the Allied or Axis forces, there were a handful of countries that chose to remain neutral throughout the war. These countries included Ireland, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, and Denmark. By taking a stance of neutrality, these countries were able to avoid the destruction and displacements associated with the war and protect their resources and economies. In addition, the humanitarian aid programs many of these countries implemented allowed them to build stronger connections with other countries.