Why did Germany invade Denmark in 1940?
Background. The attack on Denmark was part of Operation Weserübung Süd, Germany’s plan for the invasion of Norway. Its main purpose was to secure the iron ore that shipped from Narvik. To capture Norway, the Germans had to control the port outside Aalborg in northern Jutland.
Is April 9th based on a true story?
The true story of the German army invading Denmark on April 9th 1940. The first line of defence is the South Jutland Bicycle Company, their orders are to hold back the might of the German army until reinforcements arrive.
What did Germany do in April 1940?
On April 9, 1940, German warships enter major Norwegian ports, from Narvik to Oslo, deploying thousands of German troops and occupying Norway. At the same time, German forces occupy Copenhagen, among other Danish cities.
When did Germany take over Denmark?
April 9, 1940
When Germany occupied Denmark on April 9, 1940, the Jewish population was approximately 7,500, accounting for 0.2% of the country’s total population. About 6,000 of these Jews were Danish citizens. The rest were German and eastern European refugees.
Why did the Danish resistance start?
Following the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941 the Germans banned the Danish Communist Party and had the Danish police arrest its members. Those members who either avoided arrest or later escaped thus went underground and created resistance cells.
What happened to Denmark during ww2?
At the outset of World War II in September 1939, Denmark declared itself neutral. For most of the war, the country was a protectorate and then an occupied territory of Germany. The decision to occupy Denmark was taken in Berlin on 17 December 1939. On 9 April 1940, Germany occupied Denmark in Operation Weserübung.
What is special about April 9th?
April 9, is Winston Churchill Day! In 1963, he became the 2nd honorary US citizen, voted on by the U.S. Senate. He was a British politician, who was best known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during the Second World War.
What does it mean to be born on April 9th?
Feisty and opinionated, an Aries born on April 9 sees life as a series of missions. More pragmatic than idealistic, these people enjoy the act of striving almost as much as the victories their efforts bring. These intrepid individuals are not afraid to challenge the status quo.
What was happening in April 1940?
April 2, 1940 (Tuesday) Adolf Hitler signed the order for Operation Weserübung, the German invasion of Denmark and Norway. Germany made another air raid on Scapa Flow. Dutch troops were put on full alert along the German border. Britain and Denmark signed a trade agreement.
Was Denmark invaded by Germany in WW2?
In April 1940, German forces invaded Denmark. They didn’t meet with much resistance. Rather than suffer an inevitable defeat by fighting back, the Danish government negotiated to insulate Denmark from the occupation. In return, the Nazis agreed to be lenient with the country, respecting its rule and neutrality.
Was Denmark invaded by Germany in ww2?
Did Germany invade Denmark in ww2?
On the morning of 9 April 1940 Denmark was attacked by Germany. There was sporadic fighting between the Danish and German armies. However, the government in Copenhagen decided that the German military superiority was too great to justify further resistance.