Customer Reviews

SWISS AND THE NAZIS: How the Alpine Republic Survived in the Shadow of the Third Reich

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Swiss citizen born in 1944, I was too young for direct witness, but I rely on my father testimony of the time. I can certify that all the facts and descriptions are correct to the last detail. Many of the accounts of day-to-day life were told by my father in the fifties, when I was a curious child. I was a soldier too, when I was 18 years old, until I was 50 years old. I was stationned in a military airfield where all but the landing strip was underground, with all supplies and ammunition for one year. The sprit of resistance was still there all along the cold war time. Thanks for the author to restore a more accurate view of Switzerland away from ideologies and politics.

Switzerland's long history of being a neutral country was no guarantee of its security during World War II because Nazi Germany had demonstrated its willingness to invade and occupy neutral countries such as Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Luxembourg, and Norway. This book takes a look at how Switzerland dealt with the threat that Nazi Germany posed to its neutrality and independence, prior to and during World War II.

The author provides insight into, and perspective about, the different facets of Switzerland's difficult situation with respect to Nazi Germany, including: Swiss foreign relations with Nazi Germany and the Allies; Swiss efforts to convince Nazi Germany that its armed neutrality was real and would inflict heavy losses on the German military if it invaded; how extensive Swiss military service and repeated mobilizations affected Swiss society; how the Swiss took steps to neutralize Nazi subversion; and Swiss intelligence activities against Nazi Germany.

In addition to documentary sources, historical works, and published memoirs, the author draws upon personal interviews of numerous Swiss citizens who lived through the events covered in the book. The oral history aspects of the book have a mixed quality: They provide some vivid descriptions and interesting insights about the difficult times that Swiss citizens faced in dealing with Nazi Germany while trying to maintain the independence and neutrality of their country. But, the oral history occasionally drifts into tangents and distractions that do not help advance the book's narrative in any obvious way. Tighter editing would have improved the contribution that the interviews could make in presenting the book's narrative.

This book could be worthwhile reading for persons interested in modern Swiss history, a different look at World War II, or how a small nation struggled with the various dilemmas posed by being a neighbor of Nazi Germany.

I made an extended research concerning Switzerland's role in the WWII, reading more than 10 books, and this one was very useful. I liked the fact that the author explains a lot of the Swiss culture and traditions, and its repercussions in the role of the country in the war.
It is very well written, and the book is definitely not a boring history book, but rather like a novel about true facts.
Anyway, I dind't rate this book with 5 stars because I found it to be excessively biased. It is crucial to understand that when one reads about history, especially about controversial issues in history, any source (in this case, book) will be biased because humans are biased by nature. Unfortunately, this author seems to be blind at certain facts that took place in those years, and assumes a defensive position towards the role of Switzerland, without even trying to leave his personal bias aside not even a moment.

Conclusion: this is a very interesting book to read and to get informed about the role of Switzerland in the WWII and their relationship with the Nazis, written in an understandable manner, good for beginners in the subject. Still, anyone who wishes to really know about this subject should later read other books by other authors.

"By every strategic rationale, Switzerland should have fallen to the Nazis in World War II." Why it did not is the subject of the book and is largely attributed to Swiss courage, democracy, terrain, defenses, policy, and, luck. The author credits heavily the military requirement that "every able-bodied man served in the army and was well trained in firearms." He reiterates this point along with deft foreign policy and the attitudes of the population as contributing factors. The Swiss army mobilized 850,000 men at its peak which was impressive, however, it is hard to conclude how they would have performed had Hitler ordered his forces in early in the conflict.

The real story here is how the Swiss went on with business (which is the country's culture). Most countries forced to live under such a constant threat for so long would have strained in many ways. This is not to say the Swiss did not face hardships because they did, it is just that they carried on with great aplomb. Their satirical edge kept them going as did an overriding anti-German sentiment. They were also emboldened by the effects of the Finnish War which showed that a David could take down a Goliath. Switzerland's position both geographically and politically made for a precarious balancing act.

Unfortunately, all of this interesting material did not result in a well-written book. I found it highly repetitive and stark. For all of the threat and intrigue the Swiss faced, this particular history informed but did not compel.

Excellent book, shows history as noteacher or TV will tell you. Having lived in Switzerland for 30 years, I know that the Swiss will never defend themselves. So all the abuse from US Senators and other people about the behaviour of Switzerland in WWII was never corrected. This book, not written by a Swiss, shows and proves what happened. What a precarious way to live, between two evil powers, knowing they can overrun you easily and depending on them for much of your food and other items needed for everiday life. And taking in far more refugees than any other country! How about the ship with over 1000 German Jews both Britain and the USA refused to accept? They were sent back to die in the gas chambers! And yet, especially the USA were in no imminent danger, they were just antisemitic! Switzerland took in over 240'000 refugees, forcing its population to cut down on food to help out the refugees, the downed US airmen and soldiers from various countries who had escaped. And Switzerland hat only 4 million inhabitants!
If you want to learn about how to be diplomatic, stay true to your convictions and stand up for what you believe, this shows you the best example.