World War II in Europe saw varying degrees of collaboration with Nazi occupiers, from Vichy France's regime under Marshal Pétain, which aligned with Nazi policies, to Denmark's pragmatic approach balancing sovereignty with cooperation. In Norway, Vidkun Quisling's betrayal and support for Nazi persecution made his name synonymous with treachery. The text delves into the complex motivations behind such collaborations across different European nations.
Show More
Occupied countries provided administrative support to Nazi Germany during World War II
Freikorps Danmark
The volunteer corps Freikorps Danmark fought alongside the Waffen SS in support of Nazi Germany
Collaboration with Nazi Germany during World War II was motivated by ideological sympathy, opportunism, coercion, and the desire for national autonomy
After France's defeat in 1940, the Vichy government was established in the unoccupied zone
Anti-Semitic Legislation
The Vichy regime enacted anti-Semitic legislation in alignment with Nazi ideology
Suppression of the Resistance
The Vichy regime suppressed the Resistance movement during the occupation
The actions of the Vichy government during the occupation remain a subject of intense historical debate
The Danish government collaborated with Nazi Germany in a pragmatic effort to protect the country's sovereignty
The Danish resistance movement actively opposed the occupation and worked to save the Jewish population
After the war, Denmark faced the challenge of reconciling the divergent experiences of collaboration and resistance
Vidkun Quisling, leader of the Nasjonal Samling party, became a symbol of collaboration and betrayal in Norway
Support of Nazi Policies
Quisling's regime actively supported Nazi policies, including the persecution of Jews and discrimination against the Sami people
After Norway's liberation, Quisling was convicted of high treason and executed
00
Forms of collaboration with Nazis
Administrative assistance, military support against Allies, and other cooperative actions.
01
Impact of collaboration on national autonomy
Collaboration sometimes aimed to preserve some national control under Nazi occupation.
02
Importance of understanding collaboration
Crucial for grasping life complexities under Nazi rule and occupied populations' reactions.
