Pourquoi la Suisse n’a pas été envahie pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale ?

Plongez au cœur de l’histoire méconnue de la Suisse pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale ! Découvrez comment ce petit pays alpin a navigué dans les eaux tumultueuses du conflit mondial, adoptant une stratégie unique pour garantir sa neutralité tout en se préparant à toute éventualité. De l’armement de ses forces armées à la construction de redoutables fortifications, explorez les tactiques astucieuses de la Suisse pour assurer sa sécurité dans un monde en proie à la guerre. Rejoignez-nous pour une plongée captivante dans l’histoire fascinante de la neutralité suisse et ses implications sur la scène mondiale.

Quelques sources :

Page Wikipedia qui regroupe beaucoup d’informations : https://fr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histoire_de_la_Suisse_pendant_la_Seconde_Guerre_mondiale

Un rôle trouble qui reste un sujet tabou :
https://www.liberation.fr/evenement/1996/09/17/un-passe-embarrassantl-attitude-de-la-suisse-entre-1939-et-1945-reste-un-sujet-tabou_182071/

La ligne de la Promenthouse :
https://toblerones.ch/index.php/la-ligne-fortifiee-de-la-promenthouse?lang=fr

Le bombardement de Schaffhouse :
https://www.rts.ch/info/regions/autres-cantons/10332596-il-y-a-75-ans-une-escadrille-americaine-bombardait-schaffhouse-par-erreur.html

Les gardes locales :
https://mobromande.over-blog.ch/2017/04/les-gardes-locales.html

Les ouvrages minés :
https://www.letemps.ch/suisse/larmee-suisse-acheve-demontage-explosifs

On June 4, 1940, around thirty Me 110 planes were sent by Germany in order to give a correction to Switzerland, which was numerically inferior, but determined to preserve the integrity and neutrality of their country, they won this aerial battle after having inflicted several losses to the German aviation.

Under constant pressure from all sides, Switzerland will never be invaded. Today we will try to understand how this neutral country since 1815 prepared for war in order to have peace. Until 1930, Switzerland was widely perceived as a peaceful and anti-militarist country. Its policy of neutrality was rooted in its long tradition

Of non-intervention in foreign conflicts , and it had maintained a modest-sized armed force focused primarily on national defense. His army was then an infantry army using mainly horses; bicycles were also used by the cycling troops ; motor vehicles were almost non-existent as well as for cover and aerial protection.

This neutrality was partly motivated by Switzerland’s geography surrounded by major European powers. This approach aimed to protect the sovereignty and independence of the country in an unstable geopolitical context. In 1935 the rise of National Socialism and fascism took hold in neighboring countries, pushing Switzerland to plan a national defense program.

A credit of 800 million francs was then granted to the army. immediately the country acquired new Dewoitine D-27 and Fokker CV aircraft for the infantry, it was equipped with a variety of heavy weapons such as mine launchers and 4.7 cm infantry cannons. the artillery is also modernized,

It is equipped with 10.5 cm and 12 cm Beaufort cannon. 24 Praga armored vehicles will also be ordered. They will be collected at the beginning of 1939. A few years later, aviation is modernized with the acquisition of 89 Messerschmitt Me-109 E-3 “Emil” fighters as well as 74 D-3800 Morane aircraft. Saulnier.

It should be noted that a significant portion of the equipment ordered will not be delivered until much later. However, the fortifications office which had been dissolved was reactivated in 1935. In 1937 , it launched the construction of forts and reinforcement of terrain in the country

In total more than 2700 concrete blocks of 9 tonnes will be used as anti-tank obstacles over 10 km long. This is called the Promenthouse line. It was also protected by 12 fortified points, zoom in on one of them, the Villa Rose. From the outside, this is a fairly unremarkable country villa.

In reality it is an infantry fort. Cannons, machine guns and 2.50m reinforced concrete walls Everything has been planned for an effective defense. Worse still, a few meters away is the Green Villa, aiming to defend the two fortains mutually. Established in strategic positions,

Their position made it possible to cover the roads and neighboring fortains. In 1938, the structure of the army was modified. The following year the length of recruit school increased to 118 days. Finally, on August 30, 1939, full powers were granted to the Federal Council. On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland

And marked the start of the Second World War. at that time being rather well equipped in the field of aviation, the Swiss army however had shortcomings in transmissions and night combat. It should also be noted that it only had 30 armored tanks. For comparison, Germany will have produced more than 24,600 tanks.

Immediately Colonel Henri Guisan was appointed general of the Swiss army. As usual, an official declaration of neutrality is addressed to the belligerent powers. The army is mobilized, a defense line called the Limmat device is also put in place. The same year a secret military convention was concluded with France.

It fell into the hands of the Germans in 1940. A period of 8 months set in during which there was no major combat, only a few skirmishes. French and German troops observe each other on the front line, this period will be called the Phoney War.

Due to the lack of action on the Franco-Germanic front, some of the troops were released for the benefit of agriculture and industry. Switzerland took advantage of this period to push the training of men and accelerate the production of the most impressive equipment probably being in the field of field fortification.

Indeed if in June 1939 132 infantry structures were operational, there were 249 in May 1940 at the same time 1150 structures were mined the aim was that they could be activated in the event of an emergency in order to defend a region for 4 to 6 days

While awaiting the full deployment of military forces. One notable example was that of the Great Saint Bernard Pass located on the border between Switzerland and Italy. This pass was considered a crucial access point between the two countries. Switzerland mined the Great Saint Bernard Pass and other

Strategic mountain passages to deter enemy forces from entering its territory or to slow their advance by case of invasion. Explosive charges were placed so that they could be detonated quickly when necessary often through remote detonation systems or manual detonator. These measures were part of Switzerland’s defense strategy

During the war to protect its territory and maintain its neutrality. At the same time, the country is intensifying negotiations with France and Great Britain to set up military cooperation in the event that the 3rd Reich decides to attack Switzerland. On May 9, 1940, Germany went on the attack.

It invaded Luxembourg then the next day it launched an offensive against Belgium and the Netherlands. On May 11, Switzerland mobilized 700,000 men to protect the Jura region, however a wave of panic fell on the country, rumors then circulated announcing an imminent German invasion

, we later learned that it was a ruse used by the Germans to make people believe that Switzerland would be attacked before France. On May 10, 1940, during the major offensive against the Benelux and France, the Germans used Swiss airspace to exploit the weakness of the anti-aircraft defense and the French fighter

In Lyon and Saint-Étienne. Switzerland will respond by destroying German planes. Between May 10 and June 17 of the year 1940, the Swiss aviation and DCA destroyed a total of 11 German aircraft. As soon as they were informed that German planes were being used

Against the 3rd Reich by Switzerland, the German general staff was furious. . On June 10, 1940 Italy in turn entered into war against France and Great Britain on June 19, cornered by enemy forces, 43,000 men who defended Place Belfort were forced to go to the Swiss border.

They were placed in detention by the Swiss authorities on June 19, they were returned to their country of origin in January 1941, the same day German troops discovered the secret archives of the French headquarters including, among other things, the secret military convention passed between France and Switzerland.

On June 22, 1940, France signed the armistice. Surrounded by Axis forces, the morale of the troops and the Swiss population was at its lowest. On June 4, 1940 following the debacle of the allied armies, Herman Guerin wanted to correct Switzerland. He sent around thirty heavy Me 110 fighters which came into conflict with

Swiss Me 109s above La Chaux-de-Fonds and Franches-Montagnes, numerically inferior but determined, Switzerland won after having inflicted several losses on the Luftwaffe The news reached the ears of Hitler who furiously threatened the Swiss government with a possible invasion. On June 20, 1940, the Swiss army was ordered to stop intercepting

German planes that violated its airspace. The defense posts against aviation then remain active in the event of an attack from Germany or Italy. In the meantime, faced with the need for iron and coal, 21 mines have been opened or reactivated in the country. From September 1940 local guards were incorporated into the army.

Their mission is to reassure the population of the hinterland in the face of the threat of sabotage, paratroopers or possible motorized detachments which may have broken through the front. On June 10, 1943 the Royal Air Force and the American Air Force carried out series of bombing raids in order to annihilate

The German air combat force. During this period, pilots in distress preferred to land urgently in Switzerland rather than in an enemy zone. Which would lead to the internment of 1,700 American airmen. In 1943 following the bombing and constant violation of its airspace, the Swiss Air Force again began to attack aircraft

That illegally entered the country’s airspace. A total of six planes were shot down by Swiss fighters and four by the DCA. Switzerland was bombed approximately 70 times during the conflict, leading to the loss of 84 people. One of the best known is the bombing of Schaffhausen

Where 50 American heavy bombers bombed the Swiss town of Schaffhausen, confusing it with a German town. In 40 seconds, nearly 400 bombs were dropped, causing more than 40 deaths and 270 injuries. The country will undergo other bombings from belligerents in June 1944 the landing of Normandy takes place

It will be followed the following month by the landing of Provence Switzerland anticipating a possible German retreat, mobilizes a large number of troops to its borders. Finally the Allied forces arrived at the Swiss border and Germany capitulated on May 7, 1945. On October 21, 1949, for war damages,

The United States government paid 62 million Swiss francs in addition to the 4 million US dollars already paid. in October 1944. In conclusion, Switzerland’s history during World War II is a poignant reminder of how even the smallest nations can have a significant impact on the course of history.

Its neutrality was put to the test and despite its modest population, Switzerland was able to stand up with courage and determination to defend its borders and preserve its integrity in a context of global conflict. His courage and tenacity deserve to be recognized and praised and his experience offers valuable lessons about resilience

In the face of adversity. Through the trials of this period, Switzerland has consolidated its reputation for neutrality and safe haven while affirming its commitment to peace and regional stability. Today its story during the Second World War remains an inspiring testimony to the strength and determination of a people in the face of adversity.

I would like to take advantage of this video to express my gratitude and deep respect to all the heroes, civilians, soldiers and resistance fighters who fought and sacrificed their lives to preserve our freedom and peace. Their dedication and courage to defend their land in the face of oppression

And racism is an invaluable source of inspiration. Taking a moment to pay tribute to their memory, we pledge to never forget their sacrifices. Their actions remind us of the importance of defending a world where freedom and human dignity are inalienable rights. Together, let’s continue to work to build a better future,

Respectful of its values ​​for generations to come. Thank you for watching, don’t hesitate to share your opinions in the comments and I’ll see you next time. Ciao!