Denmark during World War II and the Holocaust: a controversial reality

Introduction: a unique occupation regime

Denmark was occupied by German troops on April 9, 1940, as part of Operation "Weserübung." However, the Danish case became unique in the history of Nazi occupation in Europe. Until August 1943, Denmark maintained formal sovereignty, a functioning parliament, a government led by the Social Democrat Thorvald Stauning, an army, and even King Christian X. This special status, known as the "model of collaboration" or "policy of appeasement," defined the country's specific position and influenced the fate of Danish Jews.

"Model 1940-1943": collaboration and compromise

The German command was interested in maintaining the Danish economy as a source of agricultural products (meat, butter) and the uninterrupted operation of industry. Denmark received the status of a "model protectorate." In exchange for political loyalty and economic supplies to Germany, Danish authorities retained control over internal affairs. In the first years of occupation, there was no martial law introduced in Denmark, racial laws in their German version did not apply, and the small German administration barely interfered in everyday life.

Interesting fact: According to a widespread but historically unconfirmed legend, King Christian X allegedly wore a yellow Star of David as a sign of solidarity with Jews. There was never a real decree on the wearing of stars in Denmark. However, the king did exert private pressure on the government to protect Jewish citizens, and his daily horseback rides through Copenhagen without heavy security became a symbol of Danish calm and dignity.

The turning point of 1943: from collaboration to resistance

The situation changed sharply in the summer-fall of 1943. Dissatisfaction with the occupation grew, acts of sabotage increased, and military defeats of Germany at Stalingrad and in Africa changed the strategic picture. On August 29, 1943, German authorities presented the Danish government with an ultimatum demanding the introduction of the death penalty for saboteurs and stricter measures. The government refused and was dissolved. German Reich Commissioner Werner Best declared a state of emergency. The Danish fleet was partially sunk by its own crews to prevent it from falling into German hands. A new phase began - the period of open resistance.

Operation to save Jews: a collective achievement and its reasons
The most famous page in Danish Holocaust history was the rescue of the overwhelming majority of the Jewish population in October 1943. Having received information from the German diplomat George Ferdinand Duckwitz about the impending night raid on October 1-2, the Danish underground, with the support of many ordinary citizens, organized an unprecedented operation.

For several weeks, about 7200 Danish Jews and 700 of their non-Jewish relatives were secretly transported by fishing boats across the Great Belt to neutral Sweden, which agreed to accept them. About 470 Jews fell into the hands of the Nazis and were deported to the Theresienstadt ghetto. Notably, thanks to constant pressure from Danish authorities and the Red Cross, most of these prisoners survived the war.

Unique factors of success:

The absence of deep anti-Semitism: In Danish society, there was no mass Jew-hatred. Jews (less than 0.5% of the population) were well integrated, considered Danes of Jewish faith.

Civil disobedience: Thousands of people participated in the operation - from police officers warning of raids to doctors hiding people in hospitals and ordinary fishermen risking their lives.

Special status of Denmark: Even in 1943, the Germans acted here more cautiously than in the East, trying to avoid open violence and mass unrest that could disrupt economic supplies.

Example: One of the fishing boats, "Egir," under the command of Erik Krejær, made many dangerous trips across the strait in a few nights, transporting hundreds of people. Similar stories were numerous. Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, who saved Jews in Budapest, was later inspired by the Danish example.

Memory dynamics and historical assessments

The historiography of the Danish war period has gone through several stages:

The post-war myth of a "united people-resistance," where the emphasis was on the heroism of saving Jews and the Resistance movement, while ignoring the period of collaboration in 1940-1943.

A critical revision in the 1960-80s, when historians began to study compromises and economic collaboration between Danish authorities and businesses with the Nazis.

A modern comprehensive approach that recognizes both sides: pragmatic collaboration that preserved the country from destruction, and mass civil mobilization for the rescue of fellow citizens, which became possible only thanks to the preserved structures of society.

Interesting fact: Danish Jews in Theresienstadt continued to receive food and medical supplies from the Danish government and the Red Cross. In 1944, to dispel rumors about death camps, the Nazis even allowed an inspection visit by a delegation of the Danish Red Cross and Danish officials to Theresienstadt, which was previously "cleaned up" and turned into a "model ghetto" for display. Although this visit was a propaganda action, it indirectly contributed to the survival of prisoners.

Conclusion: the paradox of the Danish experience

The history of Denmark during the war represents a paradox of pragmatism and humanism. On one hand, the country went to an unprecedented compromise with the occupier, which allowed it to avoid casualties and destruction in the first years. On the other hand, it was precisely the preserved institutions of civil society, a sense of common responsibility, and national solidarity that allowed, at a critical moment, to organize an unprecedentedly effective rescue operation.

The Danish case of the Holocaust is unique not only for its low percentage of victims but also for demonstrating that even under total occupation and terror, the active position of society and the state can be a decisive factor in saving human lives. This experience continues to be studied as an example of how legal culture, social cohesion, and civic courage can withstand the destruction machine.

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