In the lead-up to Slovakia's declaration of independence, the political atmosphere in Czechoslovakia was tense and increasingly fraught due to the pressures of Nazi Germany. Following the Munich Agreement in 1938, where France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy agreed to allow Germany to annex the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia, the central government in Prague struggled to maintain control over various ethnic groups, including the Slovaks. In this context, Slovak leaders began to advocate for autonomy, emboldened by the German government's support for their cause.

On March 14, 1939, Jozef Tiso and other Slovak nationalists proclaimed Slovakia's independence from Czechoslovakia. German influence was pervasive during this process, as the Nazis aimed to establish a strong ally in the region. Tiso, who had been a vocal proponent for Slovak independence, sought to create a new state that would align closely with Adolf Hitler's regime, hoping to secure both political legitimacy and military support.

The declaration of independence came amid widespread uncertainty in Europe, as this era was marked by the rapid disintegration of peace in the region. Following the declaration, Slovakia was immediately recognized by Nazi Germany, which saw it as a strategic ally against the Soviet Union and other neighboring states. This alignment with Germany had profound implications, leading to Slovakia's involvement in World War II, as it participated in military campaigns alongside the Axis powers. The Slovak Republic, under Tiso's regime, pursued policies that mirrored Nazi Germany’s anti-Semitic agenda, resulting in significant consequences for its Jewish population.