Small country in northern Europe Made up of hundreds of islands and Jutland Population in 1940: Not quite 4.5 million Population of Jews in 1940: about 8000 Capital city: Copenhagen

Germany invaded Denmark on April 9, The Germans wanted a peaceful occupation. They gave the Danish government an ultimatum: Accept the occupation, or be bombed mercilessly.

The Germans promised the Danish government and the King that they would respect Denmark’s political independence and would not dissolve the government. An end to all fighting was ordered by the Danish King, and Denmark agreed to Germany’s terms.

Hitler believed that Danes were perfect Aryans Denmark provided railroad lines Geographical buffer zone between Germany and Britain Stepping stone to Norway Rich farming lands

Danish army and Navy not disbanded Churches, businesses, social groups carried on Jobs were plentiful

Most Danes were anti-Nazi Most Danes also supported the policy of negotiation Some thought that they should fight the Germans

Few in number, and despised by the rest of the Danish population.

Born: September 26, 1870, Charlottenlund Died: April 20, 1947, Amalienborg Palace King of Denmark from 1912 to 1947

Born: September 26, 1870, Charlottenlund Died: April 20, 1947, Amalienborg Palace King of Denmark from 1912 to 1947

At the beginning of the occupation, there were many small acts of resistance. Aslangs Pranks Ridiculing the Germans Slashing the tires and painting the windows of their vehicles Graffiti-ing the ‘V’ for British victory all over the city Perpetrators were arrested if caught, but mostly were turned over to the Danish authorities, who were often lenient

Underground pamphlets Information Factories producing materials for Germany were attacked Railway lines used by the Germans were blown up

By 1943, resistance was growing immensely The policy of negotiation was abandoned, and the Danish government resigned State of emergency from August 29 –October 6, 1943 Rumours of a planned roundup

Joined the German Nazi Party in 1932 Head of German shipping operations Had lived in Denmark for 15 years Worked closely with Werner Best, who told him of the plans to round up the Jews He relayed this information to the head of the Social Democratic party in Denmark

News of the roundup spread throughout Denmark by word of mouth

Took place on October 1-2, 1943 Almost 95% of Jews evaded capture

Jews hid in private homes, empty summerhouses, warehouses, barns, stables, church lofts, hospitals

Sweden decided to accept all Jews from Denmark Danish Jews were shipped across the Sound to Sweden Gilleleje and Dragør were fishing towns that the Jews being rescued often passed through