Building the New Order in Occupied Norway: A Tale of Collaboration, Resistance, and the Struggle for National Identity

Prologue: The Invasion and Occupation

On April 9, 1940, Nazi Germany invaded Norway, marking the beginning of a five-year occupation that would forever alter the course of the nation's history. The invasion was swift and ruthless, catching the Norwegian military off guard and overwhelming their defenses. Within days, the country was overrun, and a puppet government headed by Vidkun Quisling was installed as a figurehead for German rule.

Hitler’s Northern Utopia: Building the New Order in Occupied Norway

by Despina Stratigakos

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18992 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	329 pages

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Collaboration and Resistance

The occupation brought with it a profound moral dilemma for Norwegians. Some chose to collaborate with the Nazi regime, seeing it as an opportunity to advance their own political or economic interests. Others formed resistance groups, determined to fight for their freedom and preserve their national identity.

Collaborators

The most prominent collaborator was Vidkun Quisling, a former army officer and politician who became the leader of the Norwegian Nazi party, Nasjonal Samling. Quisling and his followers embraced Nazi ideology, seeing it as a path towards a strong and prosperous Norway. They actively assisted the German occupation forces, providing them with intelligence, resources, and manpower.

Another group of collaborators was drawn from the ranks of the Norwegian business community. Some saw collaboration as a way to protect their economic interests, while others were motivated by a desire for power and influence. Collaborating businesses profited from contracts with the German military and benefited from the suppression of competition.

Resistance

The majority of Norwegians, however, refused to bow to Nazi rule. From the outset, resistance movements sprang up across the country, ranging from small groups of saboteurs to large-scale guerrilla forces. These resistance fighters carried out a variety of operations, including sabotage of German infrastructure, intelligence gathering, and armed attacks on occupation forces.

One of the most famous resistance groups was Milorg, the Norwegian Resistance Movement. Milorg was organized by military officers who had escaped to Sweden after the invasion. It built up a network of cells throughout Norway, carrying out sabotage operations, gathering intelligence, and preparing for the eventual liberation of the country.

The Battle for National Identity

The occupation had a profound impact on Norwegian national identity. The enforced suppression of democracy and freedom of expression threatened to erode the very foundations of the nation. Norwegian culture and language were under attack, as the Nazis sought to assimilate the country into their own Germanic empire.

In response, Norwegians clung fiercely to their traditions and symbols. They organized secret schools to teach the Norwegian language and history, and they celebrated national holidays and cultural events in defiance of the occupation. This cultural resistance helped to preserve the nation's spirit and to provide a sense of hope and continuity during a dark time.

The Liberation

The liberation of Norway began in May 1945, as Allied forces advanced from the west and south. The German forces retreated, and the Norwegian resistance forces rose up to support the Allied liberation effort. On May 8, 1945, Germany surrendered, and the occupation of Norway came to an end.

Post-War Reckoning

In the aftermath of the war, Norway faced a difficult period of reconciliation and rebuilding. The collaborators were tried and punished, while the resistance fighters were hailed as heroes. The nation had to grapple with the legacy of the occupation, and to heal the wounds inflicted by the war.

The occupation had a lasting impact on Norway, both politically and psychologically. The country emerged from the war with a stronger sense of national unity and a commitment to democracy and human rights. However, the experience of occupation also left a deep scar on the collective consciousness of the nation, a reminder of the fragility of freedom and the importance of standing up to tyranny.

The occupation of Norway during World War II was a complex and challenging time, marked by both collaboration and resistance. The nation's experience during this period shaped its national identity and its commitment to democracy and human rights. The story of Building the New Order in Occupied Norway is a reminder of the importance of resisting tyranny, preserving national identity, and fighting for freedom.

Hitler’s Northern Utopia: Building the New Order in Occupied Norway

by Despina Stratigakos

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18992 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	329 pages

FREE