Free Republic of Schwarzenberg

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The Free Republic of Schwarzenberg (German: Freie Republik Schwarzenberg) was a de facto independent entity that existed for several weeks after the German capitulation on May 8, 1945. After the surrender of Germany, the districts of Schwarzenberg, Stollberg and Aue, in the Ore Mountains, were left unoccupied, for reasons that are unclear. The "government" of the Free Republic of Schwarzenberg—an anti-fascist action group formed on May 9—ruled over 21 towns and villages. It issued its own currency and postage stamps, which were accepted in the American and Soviet zones. The republic ceased to exist when Soviet troops entered it on June 24, 1945.

It is unclear why neither American nor Russian troops occupied the area. One explanation may be that the Soviets and Americans agreed to halt on the banks of the river Mulde. As there are several rivers with this name, and the Schwarzenberg area lies between them, this could have left the middle part overlooked. Another possible explanation is that the Allies simply overlooked the area.

The term Free Republic of Schwarzenberg actually derives from the 1984 novel Schwarzenberg by Stefan Heym. As the novel is based on actual events, the term has become used as a convenient short-hand for them.