September 1943-May 1945

Following the rescue of Danish Jews in the fall of 1943, Germany tightened its control over Denmark. The Nazis removed the State of Emergency originally enacted August 29, but the situation was very poor. Denmark cooperated with Germany as little as possible.

In response to this attitude, Germany announced in December 1943 that any Danish businesses refusing to hand over goods to the Nazis would be destroyed. Meanwhile, the Danish resistance improved in accuracy as it worked to obstruct German progress. Underground workers blew up railroad systems used by Germany to transport troops into Northern Europe and Scandinavia. In response, Germany captured many resistance members and deported them to concentration camps. The Nazis considered members of the Danish police to be responsible for the steady growth in resistance; in 1944, Germany sent almost the entire police force to camps.

The Danish government that had been in place until September 1943 did not return to power. The parliament no longer existed, and King Christian, in effect, no longer was the king. He had no power and was under house arrest. The main source of guidance for Danes arrived in the form of the Danish Freedom Council. This council now openly served as the main body of the Danish Resistance, and the nation looked to its members for leadership. During the spring of 1945, Germany's control slipped on every military front. On May 5, the Nazis finally surrendered to the Allies. Danes hung welcome signs and thank-you posters in preparation for the arrival of British troops; white candles glowed in the windows of most Danish homes, symbolizing solidarity and hopefulness. After more than five years of German occupation, Danes would once again rule Denmark.

World War II took its toll on populations across Europe. Denmark lost a fair share of citizens, but its numbers were not nearly as high as in neighboring countries. According to Richard Petrow, author of The Bitter Years: The Invasion and Occupation of Denmark and Norway April 1940-May 1945, overall Danish figures show that from a total of 5, 975 Danes imprisoned in [German camps], there were 562 deaths. This number includes "fifty-eight deaths from among 474 Danish Jews." The numbers would have undoubtedly been higher had Denmark not worked to protect its citizens from harm.

Source: The Bitter Years: The Invasion and Occupation of Denmark and Norway April 1940-May 1945 by Richard Petrow and "Denmark during the final years," Royal Danish Embassy, Washington, D.C. http://www.denmarkemb.org

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