Key Events Leading to World War II: Norway, Denmark, Holland, and Belgium

Context of Neutrality

• Norway and Denmark
  • Prioritized strict neutrality to avoid conflict.
  • Sympathized with the Allies but avoided offending Hitler.

German Invasion of Norway and Denmark

• April 9th Invasion
  • Denmark was unable to resist the invasion.
  • Norway was overwhelmed by German force and deceit.
  • Norwegian Harbors:
    • Invaders concealed within merchant ships.
  • Fifth Columnists
    • Led by Major Quisling, a Norwegian collaborator.
    • Spread panic and confusion.

German Invasion of Holland and Belgium

• May 9th Invasion
  • Netherlands and Belgium hoped to avoid war by remaining neutral.
  • Hitler invaded to facilitate an attack on France, bypassing the Maginot Line.

Nazi Military Tactics

• Blitzkrieg Tactics
  • Simultaneous attacks across Holland, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
  • Use of Paratroopers:
    • Deployed parachute troops to disrupt defenses, a first in modern warfare.
    • Guns and ammunition deployed with parachutes, assembled quickly.
• Strategic Objectives
  • Capture airfields, railroad stations, and other strategic points behind enemy lines.

Impact on Dutch Resistance

• Rapid Defeat
  • Dutch defense collapsed in 4 days.
  • Towns and villages set ablaze.
  • Encirclement Tactics
    • Defenders encircled and cut off.
    • Armies were decimated, infrastructure destroyed.

Humanitarian Crisis

• Refugees
  • Roads filled with refugees fleeing the conflict.
• Rotterdam Bombing
  • Bombing occurred after Dutch forces surrendered.
  • Nazis claimed it was a mistake due to communication failure.
  • City left in ruins; compared to Warsaw's fate.

Propaganda Aspect

• Recording of Destruction
  • Reconnaissance planes documented destruction for Nazi propaganda.

Aftermath

• Rotterdam
  • City burned, many dead.
  • Formal surrender negotiations ensued.