The Battle of San Marino Underscores WWII’s All Consuming Nature
Nowhere was safe from the globe spanning conflict
San Marino is an independent enclave near Rimini, Italy. It is the fifth smallest nation in the world and has had independence for hundreds of years. It is one of the last remaining city-states and free enclaves in the world. San Marino has retained its independence through various tumultuous periods in history, including World War II.
In 1923, San Marino elected a fascist government that ruled the nation for twenty years. Despite having close ties to neighboring Italy and looking on Benito Mussolini favorably, San Marino declined to get involved in the power politics that were racking the globe in the 1930s.
When World War II broke out in 1939, San Marino declared that it was neutral and vowed to stay that way.
A small neutral nation
San Marino was also neutral during World War I despite pressure from Italy to join on its side. Italy was afraid that San Marino could host dissidents, foreigners and spies from their nearby enemy Austria-Hungary. Despite the war raging in Europe, San Marino stayed neutral.
They took the same stance during World War II. Italy officially joined the war in June of 1940 after Hitler…
