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Mainly closed and guarded border stations. When war started Swiss defence army had around 450'000 soldiers... Germany invaded Poland and France... and had invasion plans for Switzerland. German Luftwaffe bombers and fighters often entered Swiss air space - leading to bombers/fighters shot down and pilots killed on both sides.
After the attack on England, Germany turned towards Russia (Soviet Union) - at this time the border was still guarded, but main defence fortresses were built in the Swiss alps - with the plan of "réduit" (reduced Switzerland). Meaning that main forces would immediately withdraw into the alps in case of attacks...
Some refugees crossed the border to Switzerland (around 30'000 Jews) - on the other hand several thousands of refugees didn't get permission to enter. There are quite some stories about what has happened at the border... once a police officer reported a German panzer squad stopping at the station and telling him Switzerland would be the eighth country they would invade... or the legend (true?) of the German asking a Swiss soldier what they would do, if Germany attacked the 500'000 Swiss with twice as many soldiers - "we would have to shoot twice"... and so on.
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What country did the last name Snavely come from?
The name Snavely is an americanization of the Swiss-German Schnäbele, Schnäbeli, Schneebeli, Schnebli, or Schnebly. So the anwer is that most "Snavelys" can trace their ancestry to Switzerland. The root of the name is the German word for "snow."
What is the Difference between Swiss army and Swiss military watches?
SWISS ARMY watches are made by Victorinox Swiss Army AG a subsidiary of Victorinox AG. SWISS MILITARY watches are made by or for Wenger SA another subsidiary of Victorinox AG.
How did Switzerland stay neutral during two wars?
Switzerland is a permanently neutral country, which means that is remains neutral in every conflict. It has been so since the 16th century (Switzerland used to be active in European wars until 1515). In both world wars, Switzerland remained officially neutral. That does not mean that the country made no mistake or never did anything wrong, but it means that the country did not join any alliance. Swiss neutrality is an armed neutrality, which means that the country has an army in order to defend itself if it is attacked or if its territory is violated. The country if officially neutral, but of course its citizens may have their own opinion or preference during a war. During WW1, the German-speaking Swiss citizens tended to approve Germany, and some Swiss officers or politicians had contacts with German officials. Some of them have even been accused of treason. On the other side, the French-speaking part of Switzerland was largely hostile to Germany and some of the French-speaking citizens wished for an Allied victory. This led to internal problems between the German-speaking part and the French-speaking part of Switzerland.
What side was Switzerland on in World War 2?
During World War I, Belgium began the conflict as a neutral. Within a week, it had been invaded by Germany and thus entered the war at that time on the side of the Triple Alliance. Although most of its territory would be overrun and then occupied by German forces until 1918, Belgian troops held (and fought from) a portion of the northern front line for the duration of the war.
Where does the Swiss knife originate from?
The swiss army knife actually originated in Switzerland. It was made for the Swiss army to take out with them because it functioned as so many other things.
Which German is spoken in Switzerland?
The Swiss speak Swiss German.
When was Swiss German University created?
Swiss German University was created in 2000.
Did Captain Eddie Rickenbacker speak German or Swiss-German?
His parents were German speaking Swiss immigrants.
Is schweizerdeutsch Swiss or dutch?
Schweizerdeutsch is Swiss:) It's the Swiss version of German. Everyone learns high German (formal German) in school but generally, the Swiss speak their own version of Swiss German. Ich hoffe dass diese Antwort dir helft:)
How do you say no in Swiss German?
no problem
How do you say 'butterfly' in Swiss German?
In High German it's "Schmetterling"; in Swiss German they also sometimes say "Sommervogel."
Where are the Swiss Alps?
The Swiss alps are to the west of Switzerland on the border of France.
When was German Swiss International School created?
German Swiss International School was created in 1969.
How do you say better than average in Swiss German?
You mean above-average I guess. I'll give the correct expression in German first (not Swiss German!): "... besser als der Durchschnitt..." Now the one in Swiss German (the main difference in spelling are dropped letters): "... bessr als dr Durchschnitt..." - "... better than the average... " There are official rules for spelling in Swiss German... but nowadays Swiss German is what they speak and German is what they write. Swiss German is still in use for messages to friends, etc. but not official documents.
How do you say flowers in Swiss?
In Swiss German flowers are Blumen.
Which river flows through Germany and France?
The Rhine River (French: le Rhin, German: der Rhein)The southern part of the French-German border follows the river Rhine. The northern part does not follow any river.
What was the nationality of Friedrich Nietzsche German or Swiss?
german
