The Unlikely Scenario of Nazi Invasion of Scandinavia: A Case Study in Iceland and Sweden
Imagine a scenario where Nazi Germany decided to invade and occupy Iceland, deporting all its Jewish population to concentration camps. On the surface, this may seem plausible given Germany's aggressive and expansionist strategies in Europe. However, upon closer examination, this scenario would have been hardly worth the effort. Let us explore why.
Geography and Demographics: Iceland's Insufficient Population
It is widely recognized that there were very few Jews in Iceland during that period. The population of Jews in Iceland was so tiny that it would have been a moot point for Nazi Germany even if it had desired to deport them. There was no significant antisemitism either, making this a non-issue for the German regime.
Furthermore, the few Jews in Iceland were not a priority for the Nazi régime. Their presence was insignificant to the broader geopolitical objectives of Germany, and the effort required to deport the few Jews would have been disproportionate to the perceived threat or benefit.
The Unnecessity of Transporting Jews from Sweden
Sweden, too, is a prime example of the impracticality of Nazi actions. While the number of Jews in Sweden was also not substantial, the country had more than enough space to accommodate any concentration camps. There was a logical and practical solution for Nazi Germany to house the Jewish population since there was ample land in Sweden for this purpose. Transporting them would have been an unnecessary logistical hurdle and a waste of resources.
The Impracticality of Invading Sweden
Given the political and military complexities of the era, Germany would have faced significant challenges if they had attempted to invade Sweden. Swedes, known for their neutrality, would have undoubtedly joined forces with the Allies if Germany had invaded. This would have resulted in a substantial threat to Nazi Germany's goals and the broader European theatre. The Swedish navy, particularly the Bofors 40mm, were formidable defense systems that would have posed a serious challenge to any invading force.
Sweden's Naval Might and Defensive Capabilities
Sweden was not just geographically isolated; it also boasted a navy that was among the best equipped and most formidable in the world. The Swedish navy’s naval vessels significantly outnumbered those of Germany at the time. Sweden's HMS G?tland, the fastest and most beautiful destroyer of its time, served as a potent symbol of the country's naval prowess. It was an essential part of a well-organized and strategically powerful navy that would have deterred Nazi Germany from any such ambitions.
Political and Personal Factors
It is also worth noting that there were personal reasons for Germany's restraint. Germany’s leader, Hermann G?ring, had a personal connection to Sweden. He enjoyed living there, where he had a personal relationship with a Swedish woman, and would have had a strong aversion to any action that would have put Sweden in harm's way. G?ring was also heavily involved with the Luftwaffe, which already had pressing demands to combat the RAF and other Allied air forces.
Conclusion: An Exercise in Futility
The Nazi invasion of Scandinavia, specifically Iceland, would have been an inefficient and impractical endeavor. The small Jewish populations in both countries, along with the robust defensive capabilities of Sweden, made any such actions logistically and politically daunting.
Germany's resources would have been better directed towards achieving its objectives in other more strategically important territories. The case studies of Iceland and Sweden illustrate the futility of such actions and highlight the resultant strengths and strategies of these nations during that period.