5 Ways Sweden Survived WWII

Introduction to Sweden’s WWII Survival

Sweden’s survival during World War II is a fascinating story of diplomacy, strategy, and a bit of luck. The country managed to maintain its neutrality throughout the war, despite being surrounded by countries that were either invaded by or allied with Nazi Germany. In this blog post, we will explore the five key ways Sweden survived WWII, including its diplomatic efforts, military preparedness, economic maneuvering, humanitarian actions, and strategic concessions.

Diplomatic Efforts

Sweden’s diplomatic efforts played a crucial role in its survival during WWII. The country’s government, led by Prime Minister Per Albin Hansson, maintained a policy of neutrality from the start of the war. This meant that Sweden did not take sides and instead focused on maintaining good relations with both the Axis and Allied powers. Swedish diplomats worked tirelessly to negotiate with both sides, ensuring that the country’s neutrality was respected. For example, Sweden’s ambassador to Germany, Arvid Richert, played a key role in maintaining relations with the Nazi regime, while also secretly working to help Jews and other persecuted groups escape from Germany.

Military Preparedness

Sweden’s military preparedness was another important factor in its survival during WWII. The country had a relatively small but well-trained and well-equipped military, which was capable of defending against invasion. Sweden’s military strategy was focused on defense, with a emphasis on protecting the country’s borders and coastline. The military was also prepared to respond quickly to any potential threats, with a system of mobilization and deployment that could be activated at short notice. Sweden’s military preparedness was further enhanced by its mobilization of civilians, with many ordinary citizens receiving military training and being prepared to defend their country in the event of an invasion.

Economic Maneuvering

Sweden’s economic maneuvering was also critical to its survival during WWII. The country’s economy was heavily dependent on exports, particularly iron ore and other raw materials. Sweden’s government worked to maintain trade relations with both the Axis and Allied powers, while also taking steps to reduce the country’s dependence on imports. For example, Sweden implemented a system of rationing and austerity, which helped to conserve resources and reduce the country’s reliance on foreign imports. Sweden’s economy was also boosted by its industrial production, with the country producing a range of goods, including aircraft, tanks, and other military equipment.

Year	Exports to Germany	Exports to UK
1939	25%	15%
1940	30%	10%
1941	20%	20%

Humanitarian Actions

Sweden’s humanitarian actions during WWII were also notable. The country provided a safe haven for thousands of refugees, including Jews, Norwegians, and others who were fleeing persecution and war. Sweden’s government and people worked to provide assistance to these refugees, including food, shelter, and medical care. For example, the Swedish Red Cross played a key role in providing humanitarian aid to refugees, while also working to promote peace and reconciliation. Sweden’s humanitarian actions were motivated by a sense of moral obligation, with many Swedes feeling a strong desire to help those in need.

Strategic Concessions

Finally, Sweden’s strategic concessions were also important to its survival during WWII. The country’s government made a number of concessions to both the Axis and Allied powers, in order to maintain its neutrality and avoid invasion. For example, Sweden allowed German troops to transit through its territory, while also providing limited military assistance to Finland during the Winter War. Sweden’s strategic concessions were often controversial, with some critics arguing that the country was compromising its values and principles in order to maintain its neutrality. However, the concessions ultimately helped to ensure Sweden’s survival, by avoiding conflict and maintaining good relations with both sides.

📝 Note: Sweden's survival during WWII was a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, and this blog post has only scratched the surface of the country's experiences during this period.

In summary, Sweden’s survival during WWII was due to a combination of diplomatic efforts, military preparedness, economic maneuvering, humanitarian actions, and strategic concessions. The country’s government and people worked together to maintain its neutrality, while also providing assistance to those in need. Sweden’s experiences during WWII provide an important lesson in the importance of diplomacy, cooperation, and humanitarian action, and serve as a reminder of the complexities and challenges of international relations during times of conflict.