Before and during the Second World War, Switzerland's main goal was to preserve its independence and to stay out of the fighting.

To face the threat of invasion Switzerland increased defence spending, extended the training of recruits and built defence works. In March 1939 reserves were called up to guard the border with Germany. The population were told to stockpile food, and given instructions about how to prepare their houses in case of air raids.

Every available piece of land was dug up for planting crops to ensure food supplies.

Henri Guisan, a career soldier, was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Swiss Army with the rank of general - a rank which exists in Switzerland only at times of war.

Plans were made for a "redoubt" in the Alps, from which resistance would be organised should there be an invasion. It was hoped that even if most of Switzerland came under Nazi occupation, the redoubt would remain impregnable.

Germany had annexed Austria in 1938. The fall of France to the Germans in June 1940 meant that for most of the war Switzerland was completely surrounded by Germany and its allies.

As a neutral state, its relations with all the warring parties were governed by the 1907 Hague Convention.