Hello, I'm a historian with a focus on World War II, and I'd be glad to share with you what happened to Denmark during that tumultuous period.

During most of World War II, Denmark was first a protectorate, then an occupied territory under Germany. The decision to invade Denmark was taken in Berlin on 17 December 1939. On 9 April 1940, Germany invaded Denmark in Operation Weser\[^bung^] and established a de facto protectorate over the country.

The invasion was swift and met with little resistance from the Danish forces. Denmark was not prepared for war and had a policy of neutrality. The German forces crossed the border at several points and quickly took control of key locations, including the capital, Copenhagen. The Danish government surrendered after a few hours, and the invasion resulted in minimal casualties, with only a handful of Danish and German soldiers killed.

Despite the invasion, the Danish government was allowed to remain in power, and the country was granted a certain level of autonomy, which was unique among the occupied countries in Europe. This was due in part to the cooperation of the Danish government with the Germans. However, as the war progressed, the situation in Denmark changed dramatically.

In August 1943, the Danish government resigned in protest against the German demand for greater control over the Danish military. This led to a complete German takeover, and Denmark was placed under direct German rule. The country was then subjected to harsher measures, including the deportation of Danish Jews to concentration camps.

The Danish resistance movement played a significant role in the country's history during the war. The movement was active from the early days of the occupation and grew in strength over time. It carried out acts of sabotage, intelligence gathering, and helped to protect and smuggle Danish Jews to safety in Sweden, in an operation known as the "White Buses".

Towards the end of the war, as the tide turned against Germany, the situation in Denmark became increasingly tense. In May 1945, the German forces surrendered, and Denmark was liberated by British forces. The end of the occupation was met with a sense of relief and joy, and the country began the process of rebuilding and recovery.

In conclusion, Denmark's experience during World War II was marked by a swift invasion, a period of relative autonomy, a shift to direct occupation, and a strong resistance movement. The country's neutrality was shattered, and it faced significant challenges during the war, but it emerged with a renewed sense of national identity and a commitment to peace and cooperation in the post-war world.

read more >>

During most of World War II, Denmark was first a protectorate, then an occupied territory under Germany. The decision to invade Denmark was taken in Berlin on 17 December 1939. On 9 April 1940, Germany invaded Denmark in Operation Weser--bung and established a de facto protectorate over the country.read more >>