Why didnt hitler attack switzerland, if it was neutral then surely it would have been easy?

Brainy

Because the Swiss were Hitler's bankers. Without Switzerland the Nazies would have been bankrupt very early in the war. Most of what the Nazies stole ended up in Swiss banks, even the gold from the Extermination camps. They are still trying to return what can be returned to the rightful owners, but most died in the Camps. This is being forced on the Swiss by the International Community, not of their own volation.

Shane L

Switzerland was the financier of the Third Reich. All of the stolen currency, gold, and treasures of conquered territories was laundered through Swiss financial institutions. Hitler wouldn't want to upset the people that were capitalizing his rapid expansion.

sdvwallingford

Because Swiss law does not allow interference with the banks, Germany was able to use Swiss banks around the world to finance espionage, sabotage, purchasing supplies for submarines, and all sorts of other things. While Germany also had offices of French banks as well, many countries did not allow them full operation because of potential coersion from German occupiers, and then when the US invaded Vichy Algieria Germany occupied Vichy and that was over in 1942-43.

revolution is brewing

Switzerland was rubbing elbows with Hitler. they had a train that went through their country, they would not help people that were fleeing from Hitler and they kept all the wealth that Hitler took from other countries and stuck it in Swiss bank accounts.

southron_98

Because it was neutral and they needed it to funnel the treasures they stole. They were also able to keep their war machine going through the loans they made with them. I guess the world needed them as a go between to deliver messages between the countries! Best of luck. God Bless You and the Southern People

Crusader1189

Switzerland is rugged and hard to access (especially in the 1940s). Add to that the Swiss reputation for being very good at mountain, snow, and guerrilla warfare, it could have massacred an invading army and ripped up occupying forces. Hitler's wisest decision of the war was probably avoiding an attack on Switzerland. Besides, had he succeeded in building his empire, the Swiss would have had to eventually do business with him or be starved out.

Leogirl0804

Yes it would have been easy but it would but it would have been more problems with the rest of the world and he didn't need that right then. Perhaps after he was through with the rest it would make sense.

Bella Donna

They were not a threat so why bother. If one county has declared neutrality it means they are not taking sides (being an ally to one or the other).

meandmineownself

yes.

lana_sands

Actually not that easy......
First off, The Swiss like the other big neutral Sweden provided a source of banking and material resources. WHY fight when you can do business????? Many, many millions of Nazi gold were stored in Swiss banks. Also with Italy to the south, Switzerland is land locked and not a offensive threat. Time, money and troops better needed else where.

Hitler did consider your idea. but came to the same conclusion. Sweden was a huge source on Iron ore to Germany. And regular trade with other neutrals like Spain & Portugal. Some efforts were made to even get the Irish to fight the Brits in exchange for Northern Ireland.

vaiosoft

There was nothing to attack, no threats.

tomhale138

since it was nuetral he didnt have to go out of his way to attack it, since it would not have been that easy and would have been way more trouble than it was worth. Once he had the rest of the world wrapped up he could come back and do as he pleased. I dont know why you think that is would have been easy just cause it was nuetral, they obvioulsy felt secure enough to tell both sides to go play elswhere.

Kris

Because they were blond haired and blue eyed maybe. Really I have know idea, I'm ignorant when it comes to history, I always fell asleep in that class because it was after lunch. I passed my history requirement in college but the teacher didn't cover history.
Its a strange world we live in. One where intelligence has been redefined by pig brained people, humor is old fashion and people like myself babble words in response to intelligent questions..................................

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