1940-1945

1940-1945 - The German occupation

Frihedsmuseet On 9 April 1940, Hitler's troops landed at Kastellet and, meeting little resistance, commenced an occupation that was to last the rest of the War. Germany moved 200,000 troops into Denmark, which it saw as a useful source of agricultural produce.

Despite the best efforts of the Danish resistance movement, and the secret evacuation of nearly 7,000 Danish Jews to Sweden, Denmark resigned itself to being ruled by Berlin. Liberation by the British army, led by Field Marshall Montgomery, came on 4 May 1945.

The present Queen, Margrethe II, was born shortly after the occupation began, on 16 April 1940.



Basic facts Practical information City maps History Great Danes - past Great Danes - present Historic events The Little Mermaid Tourist > About Copenhagen > History > Historic events > 1940-1945 1940-1945 1940-1945 - The German occupation On 9 April 1940, Hitler's troops landed at Kastellet and, meeting little resistance, commenced an occupation that was to last the rest of the War. Germany moved 200,000 troops into Denmark, which it saw as a useful source of agricultural produce. Despite the best efforts of the Danish resistance movement, and the secret evacuation of nearly 7,000 Danish Jews to Sweden, Denmark resigned itself to being ruled by Berlin. Liberation by the British army, led by Field Marshall Montgomery, came on 4 May 1945. The present Queen, Margrethe II, was born shortly after the occupation began, on 16 April 1940.