80 Years Later: Milestone Anniversary of the End of WW2

As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, let us reflect on Slovakia's wartime experience, its complex journey to freedom, and why remembering this history remains crucial today.

From Puppet State to Liberation

The Slovak State (1939-1945) was established on March 14, 1939, after Hitler pressured Slovak nationalist leader Jozef Tiso to declare independence from Czechoslovakia. While historians debate Slovakia's relationship with Nazi Germany – whether it was a puppet state or a semi-autonomous ally – what's clear is that the country functioned as Germany's first Slavic military ally during the war.

The official alliance was signed in November 1940, after which Slovakia participated in the invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941 and declared war on Britain and the United States in December 1941.

The Darkest Chapter: The Holocaust in Slovakia

Slovakia holds the tragic distinction of being the first German ally to consent to the deportation of its Jewish residents during the Holocaust. According to a December 1940 census, there were approximately 88,951 Jews in Slovakia at that time.

Between March and October 1942, 57,000 Jews were deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau and other death camps in occupied Poland. The Slovak authorities paid Nazi Germany 500 Reichsmarks per Jew deported, with the total cost reaching over 30 million Reichsmarks. In all, German and Slovak authorities deported more than 70,000 Jews from Slovakia; more than 60,000 of them were murdered – approximately 80 percent of Slovakia's pre-war Jewish population.

Resistance: The Slovak National Uprising

On August 29, 1944, as the tide of war turned against Nazi Germany, Lieutenant Colonel Ján Golian led the Slovak National Uprising, one of the most significant events in Slovak history. This anti-fascist rebellion was the second largest revolt against fascism in Europe, uniting more than 80,000 soldiers, approximately 18,000 partisans, and fighters from 30 other nations against the Nazi-aligned Slovak state.

A major German counteroffensive began in October 1944, when 35,000 German soldiers entered Slovakia to crush the rebellion. By the end of October, most of the territory controlled by the insurgents was recaptured. Although the uprising ultimately failed militarily, it was one of the most important anti-fascist campaigns in Europe during World War II and would later help place Slovakia on the side of the victors.

Liberation and Aftermath

The dividing line of liberation that also set the future zones of influence was decided in Yalta. The heads of governments of the United States, United Kingdom, and Soviet Union discussed the post-war organization of Europe in February 1945, with Slovakia falling into the Soviet sphere of influence. The Red Army had already started pushing into Europe from the east.

The liberation of Slovakia came at an enormous cost.

The Carpatho-Dukla Operation in eastern Slovakia alone claimed over 60, 000 lives, including Soviets, Czechs, Slovaks and Germans. It was one of the bloodiest operations of WW2.

Overall, approximately 144,000 Soviet troops died during the liberation of Czechoslovakia. The Red Army finally marched into Bratislava on April 4, 1945, with nearly 7,000 Soviet soldiers falling during the battles for the capital and western Slovakia. With Germany's formal surrender on May 8, 1945, World War II in Europe officially ended.

Lasting Legacy

Today, as we mark eight decades since these momentous events, we reflect on how Slovakia's wartime experience continues to shape its national identity. The Slovak National Uprising remains a powerful symbol of resistance against fascism, while the Holocaust stands as a solemn reminder of the dangers of extremism and the importance of protecting human rights.

By remembering this complex history – with its painful chapters and moments of courage – we honor those who suffered, those who fought, and those who rebuilt. Their legacy lives on in the democratic Slovakia of today.

Team Global Slovakia