The German occupation of Hungary began with a rapid military offensive on March 19, 1944, aimed at solidifying German control over this strategically significant country. Prior to the occupation, Hungary had a complex relationship with both the Axis powers and the Allies. Although allied with Nazi Germany, Hungary’s leadership, under Miklós Horthy, had become increasingly wary of its German partners, especially as the war began to turn against the Axis. This apprehension heightened when Horthy indicated intentions to seek an armistice with the Allies. In response, Adolf Hitler dispatched troops to Hungary to ensure that the country remained under Axis control.

The German invasion commenced with the deployment of approximately 200,000 troops and the establishment of military rule. Hungarian forces were compelled to collaborate with the German military, and the government was effectively stripped of its autonomy. This occupation marked a pivotal moment in Hungarian history, leading to the implementation of severe anti-Jewish measures and the deportation of hundreds of thousands of Jews to concentration camps. The swift occupation directly contributed to the escalation of the Holocaust, as the German authorities sought to eliminate Jewish communities in Hungary before potential peace negotiations could undermine their plans.

The occupation intensified Hungary’s involvement in World War II, as it was drawn deeper into the conflict on the side of the Axis powers. However, the heavy-handed occupation ultimately failed to secure the lasting allegiance of Hungary, and as the war progressed, the brutal realities of occupation became increasingly resented by the Hungarian populace. In this context, the German military’s presence in Hungary became synonymous with oppression and violence, with long-lasting impacts on Hungarian society and the aftermath of the war.