10 Facts about Denmark in World War 2

Sunday, August 7th 2016. | History

Facts about Denmark in World War 2 talk about the occupation of Nazi Germany during the Second World War. On 9th April 1940, Denmark was occupied by Operation Weserübung. The occupation ended on 5th May 1945 when Nazi Germany was defeated by the Allies at the end of Second World War. The occupation of Nazi Germany in the country was very different because many Danish institutions were still operated until 1943. Let’s find out other interesting facts about Denmark in World War 2 below:

Facts about Denmark in World War 2 1: the relationship

The relationship between the Danish king and government with the Germans was uneasy. They had different view related to the totalitarian and democratic system.

Facts about Denmark in World War 2 2: the death of Danes

Due to the direct occupation of Germany in the country, there were more than 3,000 Danes died.

Denmark in World War 2

Facts about Denmark in World War 2 3: other death toll

There were 1,072 merchant sailors died in the behalf of the Allies. On the other hand, there were 4,000 Danish volunteers died on the behalf of German forces.

Facts about Denmark in World War 2 4: Danish Jews

German authorities ordered imprisonment of Danish Jews. In 1943, many of them were saved. By the end of the World War 2, the Danes developed effective resistance toward Germany.

Denmark in World War 2 Pic

Facts about Denmark in World War 2 5: the beginning of Germany occupation in Denmark

German army arrived in Denmark after it crossed the border in the morning of April 9th, 1940. The troops landed at the docks of Copenhagen.

Facts about Denmark in World War 2 6: the resistance

The arrival of German forces in the country faced resistance from Danish soldiers which included the force units in South Jutland and Royal Guard in Copenhagen. But the Germany troops outnumbered the Danish.

Denmark in World War 2 Pictures

Facts about Denmark in World War 2 7: OPROP! Leaflets

OPROP! Leaflets were famous at that time. They were spread by Germans in Copenhagen to urge the Danes that the occupation of Germany toward the country should be accepted peacefully. Get facts about chemical warfare here.

Facts about Denmark in World War 2 8: protection

In the leaflets, the Germans also stated that they had to occupy the country to protect it from France and Great Britain.

Facts about Denmark in World War 2

Facts about Denmark in World War 2 9: the ignorance

The Danish government at that time ignored a warning related to the attack organized by Germany which was estimated to take place on 8 or 9 April. Check facts about Cold War here.

Facts about Denmark in World War 2 10: the declaration of war

It was too late for the Danes to declare the war on Germany because of the rapid turn of event. It was not easy for Danes to hold on the German forces due to the small number of Danes.