How Powerful Was Germany In East/Central Europe On The Eve Of World War II?

Germany enjoyed a great deal of economic power on the eve of the Second World War in most East/Central European countries and this helped lay the groundwork for Hitler's war effort in the region.

Germany's economic might in the region is best seen when one examines the percentage of imports and exports controlled by Germany in the case of each country. For example, by 1939 over 71% of Bulgaria's imports came from Germany. This figure stood at 53% for Hungary, 43% in the case of Romania and 46% for Yugoslavia.

When looking at the balance of exports, Germany was an even more powerful player in the region. For example, Germany bought over 70% of Bulgaria's exports by 1938, while Hitler also purchased a majority of Hungary's products (up to 53%) and 56% in the case of Romania. Even Tito's Yugoslavia could not escape German influence. Here, the Third Reich bought 53% of the country's exports.

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