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Turchia 1939 (1 settembre) - 1945 (7 maggio)   Cerca

Definizione

Definition: Turkey remains neutral until an Axis defeat seems inevitable in 1945. Germany launches an anti-Jewish propaganda campaign in Turkey and Jews remain the second class citizens they had been prior to the war. Turkey signs a treaty of friendship with Germany June 18, 1941. When Germany invades Russia on June 22, 1941, popular support for an alliance with Germany exists in Turkey. In early 1942 Turkey begins expediting Jewish requests for citizenship. Turkish citizenship exempts Jews in Vichy France from deportation and anti-Jewish restrictions. In response to severe financial problems, the Turkish government introduces rationing and price controls in 1942. Bread rationing begins in January; and is lowered in February. When these measures prove unsuccessful, the government levies a series of tax increases. On November 11, 1942, the Grand National Assembly enacts the Varlik Vergisi (Wealth Tax) in the hopes of raising millions of dollars to pay for the army maintained to prevent a German invasion. This taxes the capital of those with property and thought to be profiting from the war. This tax primarily affects urban merchants, most of who are non-Muslims and Dönmes (Jewish converts to Islam). The government does not aim the Wealth Tax at Turkish Jews. In March, the United States and Britain agree to send war equipment to Turkey to assist in defense against Nazi invasion. British arms assistance begins in June, American in the fall. The Rescue Committee of the Jewish Agency in Turkey operates in Istanbul in 1943 and 1944. Not only does the committee work to establish contact with Jewish communities in occupied Europe, but it also carries out aid and rescue operations. In January, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and Joseph Stalin meet in Casablanca. As part of Churchill's Balkan plan, the three leaders agree to increase their efforts to encourage Turkey to join the Allies against Hitler. At the Adana Conference, later that January, the Allies agree to strengthen Turkey's defenses; they begin implementing the agreement in April. The Tehran Conference (November 28 - December 1) increases British and American efforts to get Turkey involved in the war. Turkey continues to resist these entreaties out of fear of Russian intentions and German invasion. Turkey enters the war as part of the Allies on February 23, 1945. (en-US)

Fonte

Shaw, Stanford J. Turkey and the Holocaust: Turkey's Role in Rescuing Turkish and European Jewry from Nazi Persecution, 1933-1945. New York: New York University Press, 1993. p. 33-37, 273, 416-419

Termini più generici

• (PIQ) Turchia

Termini più specifici

• Turchia 1944