When Did Hitler Invade Norway and Denmark?

Hitler initiated the invasion of Norway and Denmark on April 9, 1940, as part of his broader strategic goals to secure critical resources and naval access during World War II. It is often misconceived that Finland was also invaded; however, this was not the case. Rather, Finland was a co-belligerent during the Continuation War and did not face a full-scale invasion by Germany.

The Invasion and Occupation of Denmark

The occupation of Denmark began on April 9, 1940, when German forces landed in Copenhagen, the capital city. The Danish government, without any military resistance, was forced to accept the occupation. The German invasion was swift and strategically planned to minimize casualties and resistance. The official recognition of Danish occupation did not occur until May 5, 1945, when Danish forces were liberated by the UK forces, not the US.

During the occupation, the death toll was relatively low, with only a handful of casualties among civilians. The Danish government, under pressure from the King, did not resist the German forces, and only a small number of soldiers were placed at the border to hold positions when requested by the King. This ensured that the city's focus could remain on civilian life and governance rather than military conflict.

Hitler's Invasion of Norway

Simultaneously and without significant opposition, Hitler invaded Norway on the same day, April 9, 1940. The primary objective was to secure a naval base and an airfield in Aalborg to facilitate the invasion of neighboring Norway. This strategic move was crucial for restoring Norwegian neutrality after it had been threatened.

The German forces set up defensive bunkers along the western coast of Norway, anticipating an eventual invasion by UK or US forces in the region. Despite these preparations, the Allies chose to invade Normandy at Sword Beach on June 6, 1944, rather than Norway. Many of these bunkers and fixed artillery bases remain intact today, serving as historical reminders of the events that transpired.

Finland's Role and Status during World War II

Finland played a more complex role during World War II. The country was primarily engaged in two major conflicts: the Winter War (1939–1940) against the Soviet Union, and the Continuation War (1941–1944) also against the Soviet Union with German assistance.

During the Continuation War, Finland and Nazi Germany were co-belligerents, meaning they fought together rather than against each other. Finland was not invaded by Germany; instead, it remained a neutral territory within the broader context of the war. This complex relationship often led to misunderstandings, as Finland was not subject to the same degree of military pressure or invasion as other countries such as Norway and Denmark.

The German-American relationship was complex during the war, especially given the political alliance between the UK and the US. Finland was never declared a target for invasion by Germany, and the country maintained a strategic alliance with Nazi Germany during the Continuation War. At the same time, Finland was not without its own conflicts; it ultimately declared war on Nazi Germany in the Lapland War (1944–1945) to regain control of its former territories.

Throughout the war, Germany provided support to Finland through the supply of munitions and other war materials. However, Finland did not face a full-scale invasion by Germany, and the situation was mainly managed through mutual support and strategic cooperation.