Norway's History

Population

In 1939 the population of Norway was 2,907,000.¹

Invasion

To try and stop the trade of iron ore between Norway and Germany the British Navy started to lay mines on April 8, 1940.¹

On April 9, 1940, the German military began the invasion of Norway code named Operation Weser.¹ Kriegsmarine took troops in to Norway's major harbors and the Luftwaffe dropped and landed paratroopers on key installations.¹ Even with the assistance of the British and French forces, Norway fell to the Germans.¹

The Norwegian royal family and gold supply made it to Britain where the Norwegian government in exile was formed.¹

Occupation

Vidkun Quisling, the head of the National Unity Party and former minister of war, became the leader of Norwegian occupation.¹ Quisling was made the leader to mold Norway into a fascist country.¹ On February 2, 1942, he was made prime minister.¹

During Quisling's rule thousands were sent to concentration camps and hostages were shot in retaliation for acts of resistance.¹

Resistance

During the occupation the teachers and clergy resigned.¹

Commando raids were conducted in Norway which often resulted in reprisals against the population.¹

There were many who made it to the Allies and fought against the Germans.¹

Victory

In May 1945, between 10,000 and 15,000 Norwegians, who had gone to Sweden to be trained as policeman, returned to maintain order after the German surrender.¹

Quisling and approximately 50 high level collaborators were executed.¹ Around 46,000 Norwegians were also tried but most did not receive severe punishment.¹