How neutral countries in World War II were less neutral
Two days after Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, Britain and France declared war on Germany, and World War II broke out. Dozens of countries are still recovering from the horrors of World War I, trying to remain neutral to avoid invasions and more bloodshed.
However, if the country is geographically desirable, then declaring neutrality does not serve to insulate the country from the effects of conflict. Belgium and the Netherlands, both of which declared neutrality before the war. Their neutrality impressed Hitler, who ordered his troops to invade both countries in May 1940 as part of his offensive against France.
Throughout the war, only 14 countries remained officially neutral. They include Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Turkey, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan, as well as small states such as Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, San Marino and Vatican City.
In short, it turns out that it is almost impossible for these neutral nations to remain neutral in an ever-expanding war.
