Why Was Prague Spared in WWII?

By Robert Palmer

Prague, the capital city of Czech Republic, was one of the few cities in Europe that escaped significant damage during World War II. While many European cities were reduced to rubble during the war, Prague remained relatively unscathed. This is a remarkable feat considering that the city was located in the heart of Europe and had strategic importance as a transportation hub.

Why Was Prague Spared in WWII?

There are several reasons why Prague was spared during World War II. One of the main reasons is that Hitler had a soft spot for Prague.

He considered it to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and wanted to preserve it as a cultural center for his planned empire. As a result, he gave strict orders to his troops not to damage any historical buildings or monuments in Prague.

Another reason why Prague was spared is that the Czech resistance played an important role in preventing its destruction. The resistance movement was active in Prague and carried out several sabotage operations against German troops and installations. This made it difficult for the Nazis to control the city and launch any major attacks against it.

The terrain around Prague also played a role in its survival during WWII. The city is built on hills with narrow streets that made it difficult for tanks and heavy artillery to maneuver through them. This made it harder for German forces to launch an effective attack on the city.

The fear of retaliation from Allied forces also played a role in sparing Prague from destruction. As the war progressed, Allied forces were closing in on Germany from all sides, and Hitler knew that any major attack on a cultural center like Prague would trigger retaliation from Allied forces.

The Legacy of WWII on Modern-Day Prague

Today, visitors can still see firsthand how well preserved the historical buildings are in Prague thanks to its survival during World War II. The city’s old town square still boasts Baroque architecture dating back to 13th century with impressive Gothic churches, stunning town hall and astronomical clock.

In conclusion, Prague’s survival during World War II can be attributed to a combination of factors including Hitler’s appreciation for the city’s beauty, the active resistance movement, the terrain of the city, and fear of retaliation from Allied forces. The legacy of WWII on modern-day Prague is evident in its beautifully preserved historical landmarks and buildings that continue to attract tourists from all over the world.