Why was Norway so important to Germany?

Why was Hitler interested in Norway? Control of Norway’s extensive coastline would have been very important in the battle for control of the North Sea and easing the passage of German warships and submarines into the Atlantic. The control of Norway would also aid Germany’s ability to import iron ore from Sweden.

Why did Germany invade Poland and Norway?

Order of battle Norway was important to Germany for two primary reasons: as a base for naval units, including U-boats, to weaken Allied shipping in the North Atlantic, and to secure shipments of iron ore from Sweden through the port of Narvik.

What was Hitler’s plan for Norway?

Between 1940 and 1945, German occupiers transformed Norway into a vast construction zone. This remarkable building campaign, largely unknown today, was designed to extend the Greater German Reich beyond the Arctic Circle and turn the Scandinavian country into a racial utopia.

What happened to the royal family of Norway during World war 2?

While the Danish royal family was taken prisoner by the Nazis, the Norwegian royal family managed to escape and carry on the war from exile for the next five years. As early as 1939, both the Allies and Nazi Germany began to make invasion plans of Norway.

What happened to Norway royal family during ww2?

Why did Norway surrender to Germany?

Germany sought to secure naval bases for use against the British fleet in the North Sea and to guarantee vital iron-ore shipments from neutral Sweden. Despite British attempts to help, Norway surrendered to Germany on June 10.

Did the Norwegian royalty survive ww2?

This year, in 2020, marks 75 years since World War II ended. While the Danish royal family was taken prisoner by the Nazis, the Norwegian royal family managed to escape and carry on the war from exile for the next five years. As early as 1939, both the Allies and Nazi Germany began to make invasion plans of Norway.

Why did Germany not invade Switzerland?

According to Schäfer, a historian from the Martin Luther University in Germany, one of the main reasons why Switzerland was not invaded was because of the ceasefire between France and Germany, which France was forced to accept following the German offensive in May and June 1940.

What did Crown Princess Märtha of Norway died from?

Cancer
Princess Märtha of Sweden/Cause of death
Crown Princess Martha However, the Norwegian people’s love for Martha only continued to grow, even after her passing on April 5, 1954 at the age of 53 after battling cancer.

What happened to the royal family of Norway during ww2?

Why did Germany attack Norway?

There were two main reasons for the German invasion of Norway early in World War II. One had to do with military power and the other was more related to supplies that were needed for the German war effort. One reason to invade Norway was to get naval and air bases and to deny them to the enemy.

When did Germany occupy Norway?

The occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany started with the German invasion of Norway on 9 April 1940, and ended on 8 May 1945, after the capitulation of German forces in Europe. Throughout this period, Norway was continuously occupied by the Wehrmacht .

When did Germany invade Norway?

Germany invades Norway and Denmark 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.

What happened to Norway during World War 2?

The German occupation of Norway during World War 2 began on 9 April 1940 after German forces invaded the neutral Scandinavian country of Norway. Conventional armed resistance to the German invasion ended on 10 June 1940 and the Germans controlled Norway until the capitulation of German forces in Europe on 8/9 May 1945.