Answer :
Final answer:
Ireland was not invaded during WW2 largely because Germany deemed the invasion across the English Channel too risky after failing to dominate the British Air Force, and the UK respected Ireland's neutrality and did not want to risk domestic and American opposition or stretch its military resources further.
Explanation:
Why Ireland Was Not Invaded in WW2
Ireland’s neutrality during World War II was due to several reasons. Germany had considered invading Britain in an operation called Operation Sea Lion, but the plan required the crippling of Britain’s Royal Air Force, which did not occur due to Britain's resilience during the Battle of Britain. The German military, after facing the strong defensive efforts of Britain, deemed an invasion across the English Channel too risky, which would similarly apply to any attempt to invade Ireland to use it as a staging post.
As for why the United Kingdom did not invade Ireland to prevent a possible German incursion, this was due in part to respecting Ireland's neutrality, their historical ties, and because the UK required all its efforts to defend against the immediate German threat, rather than opening up a new front of conflict. Additionally, invading Ireland would have been potentially unpopular both domestically and with Americans, particularly those with Irish ancestry who were against British rule of Ireland.
By maintaining its neutrality, Ireland offered some assistance to the Allies, such as sharing intelligence and returning Allied airmen, which might have been complicated if Ireland was invaded and occupied by either side. Furthermore, the logistical challenges of mounting an invasion, securing support from the local population, and then extending supply lines across the Irish Sea were daunting tasks that neither Germany nor the UK were ready to undertake.
