What was the Last Country Invaded by Germany During World War II?

Despite the common misconception, the last country invaded by Nazi Germany during World War II was Hungary, not the Soviet Union or Italy. The invasion of Hungary in March 1944 was a significant event as it marked the end of Germany's allies, symbolizing the ultimate collapse of the Axis powers.

The Hungarian Situation and the Intrusion

By March 1944, with the tide of war turning against the Axis forces, Hungary, which had been Germany's ally, began to show signs of instability. Hungarian Prime Minister Miklós Kállai and his government secretly signed a ceasefire agreement with the Allies in October 1943, aiming to defect from the Axis alliance. This move was not taken lightly and generated a strong reaction from Germany.

German Retaliation and Occupation

In response to these actions, Hitler and his military leaders launched a series of events that culminated in the invasion of Hungary on March 19, 1944. Hitler's reaction was swift and dramatic. In less than a fortnight, German forces controlled the country, and a new pro-Nazi government was installed by Admiral(xhr) Miklós Horthy.

Chilling Consequences

The invasion entailed an ominous chapter in Hungary's history. Over the subsequent months, Germany's increasing power over Hungary led to the implementation of forced measures. One of the most notorious actions was the deportation of tens of thousands of Jews from Hungary to concentration camps in Germany and to the Nazi regime in Austria. This tragic turn of events significantly reduced Hungary’s Jewish population and deepened the persecution of minority groups within the country.

A Respite Through Liberation

The chaotic end of the Axis powers in Hungary came with the Russian Liberation Force's advance. In April 1945, as the Red Army began to infiltrate Hungarian territory, the German forces were pushed back. This marked the beginning of the end of major German activities in Hungary and the war in Europe.

The Irony of Nazi Ideals

Amidst the triumph of Allied forces, the remnants of the German Army were on the run, forced to retreat from their own allies. This series of events serves as an ironic commentary on the Nazi ideology and Hitler's vision of unites with other nations. Even a country like Hungary, which had once seemed firmly aligned, could not withstand the tide of the war or Hitler's demands. The eventual collapse of German civilization, as directed by Hitler towards the end of the war, further reinforced the crumbling facade of the once mighty Axis powers.

Related Key Points

Germany's Final Occupation of Hungary: March 19, 1944 to April 1945. Hitler’s Reaction to Hungarian Defection: Encouraging the invasion and installation of a puppet government. Russian Liberation of Hungary: In April 1945, leading to the end of German occupation. Jewish Deportations: Forced deportations to concentration camps under Nazi influence. Irony of Nazism: The ultimate defeat of a once-proud war machine, reinforced by Hitler's last directive to destroy German civilization if it failed to survive.

Conclusion

The saga of Germany's ill-fated occupation of Hungary and the ensuing liberation is a poignant reminder of the complexities and futility of war and the instability within seemingly allied nations. As Allied forces pushed forward, the war entered its final phase, marking the collapse of the Axis powers and the ultimate defeat of Nazism in Europe.

For more information about Germany invasion of Hungary, World War II, and Hungarian Resistance, please refer to the respective articles and documentation available on reliable historical platforms.