Nazi Germany invaded Yugoslavia on 6 April 1941, less than two weeks after the invasion of Greece. Germany's invasion of Yugoslavia was part of a larger campaign called Operation Marita, which was intended to secure the Balkans and prevent the British from gaining a foothold in the region.
There were several reasons why Nazi Germany invaded Yugoslavia.
* Yugoslavia was an ally of Britain and France. Germany was determined to prevent Britain and France from gaining a foothold in the Balkans, as this would have threatened Germany's control of the region. Yugoslavia was also seen as a potential ally of the Soviet Union, which was Germany's main enemy in the war.
* Yugoslavia had a large and well-trained military. The Yugoslav military was the largest and most powerful in the Balkans. Germany feared that Yugoslavia would pose a significant obstacle to its plans for the region.
* Yugoslavia was a source of raw materials. Germany was particularly interested in Yugoslavia's chromium, copper, and bauxite. These materials were essential for Germany's war effort.
* Yugoslavia was a strategic location. Yugoslavia controlled the key routes to Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East. Germany wanted to secure these routes in order to facilitate the transport of troops and supplies to these regions.
The Nazi invasion of Yugoslavia was a swift and brutal affair. German forces quickly overwhelmed the Yugoslav defenses and occupied the country within a matter of weeks. The invasion resulted in the deaths of thousands of Yugoslav soldiers and civilians.
The Nazi invasion of Yugoslavia had a profound impact on the course of World War II. It brought the war to southeastern Europe and further strained Germany's resources. It also led to the creation of the Yugoslav Partisans, a resistance movement that fought against the German occupiers. The Yugoslav Partisans played a significant role in the eventual defeat of Germany.