Initially, Brazil maintained a position of neutrality, trading with both the Allies and the Axis Powers, while government policies indicated a leaning toward the Axis. However, as the war progressed, trade with the Axis countries became almost impossible and the United States initiated forceful diplomatic and economic efforts to bring Brazil onto the Allied side.
At the beginning of 1942, Brazil permitted the United States to set up air bases on its territory, and on 28 January the country severed diplomatic relations with Germany, Japan, and Italy. After that, 36 Brazilian merchant ships were sunk by the German and Italian navies, which led the Brazilian government to declare war against Germany and Italy on 22 August 1942.
Brazil then sent a 25,700 strong Expeditionary Force to Europe that fought mainly in Italy, from September 1944 to May 1945. Brazil was the only South American country to send troops to fight in Europe during the Second World War.
No comments:
Post a Comment