German Army Invasion of Denmark | World War 2

Summary

In April 1940, Germany launched Operation Weserübung, invading Denmark and Norway. The attack on Denmark, lasting only six hours, was one of WWII's shortest military operations. Despite warnings, Denmark's government didn't prepare defenses, leading to swift German victory. The Germans captured key locations using paratroopers and forced the Danish king to surrender after threatening to bomb Copenhagen. This successful operation gave Germany control over Denmark and a foothold for further expansion into Norway, securing vital resources and strategic positions in the region.

Takeaways

• 😀 Germany launched Operation Weserübung in April 1940, invading Denmark and Norway to secure strategic resources like iron ore and submarine bases.
• 😀 The German invasion of Denmark began on April 9, 1940, and was one of the shortest military operations of World War II, lasting just six hours.
• 😀 The Danish government, despite being warned, did not prepare defenses for the invasion, fearing it would provoke Germany.
• 😀 Denmark's military was placed on full alert on April 8, 1940, but was unprepared to defend against the German assault.
• 😀 The first resistance came from a Danish anti-tank platoon at Lundjoberg, but German forces easily overwhelmed them with superior numbers and firepower.
• 😀 The Germans used paratroopers to secure key positions, including bridges and coastal forts, which were crucial for further military operations.
• 😀 Despite initial resistance from the Danish Royal Guard in Copenhagen, the city eventually surrendered after Germany threatened to bomb it.
• 😀 King Christian X of Denmark had no choice but to submit to German demands under the threat of bombing Copenhagen.
• 😀 The successful invasion of Denmark allowed Germany to establish a foothold for launching further operations in Norway as part of the same military strategy.
• 😀 The invasion was a key part of Germany's broader strategic plan to control Northern Europe and prevent Allied forces from gaining control of key resources.

Q & A

What was the name of the German operation that involved the invasion of Denmark and Norway?

The operation was called 'Weserübung', which was Germany's plan to invade Denmark and Norway.

How long did the battle for Denmark last during the German invasion?

The battle for Denmark lasted about six hours, making it one of the shortest military operations in World War II.

What were the primary objectives of the German invasion of Denmark and Norway?

The main objectives were to secure shipments of iron ore from the Narvik region in Norway and to provide a base for German submarines in the Norwegian city of Fyod.

Why did Germany justify the invasion of Denmark and Norway?

Germany claimed the invasion was necessary to protect Denmark and Norway from being controlled by Allied forces, which could disrupt German military operations.

How did Denmark respond to the imminent threat of a German invasion?

The Danish government placed the military on full alert on April 8, but did not prepare defensive positions, hoping to avoid provoking Germany.

Where did the first battle between Danish forces and the German invasion take place?

The first battle took place at Lundjoberg, where a Danish anti-tank platoon attempted to defend against the German forces.

What role did German paratroopers play in the invasion of Denmark?

German paratroopers were used to secure key bridges and military targets, including the island of Alster and coastal forts on the island of Adhom.

What happened when the German infantry reached Copenhagen during the invasion?

The German infantry encountered resistance from the Danish royal guard, who initially repelled the German forces, but Germany later issued an ultimatum to bomb Copenhagen if Denmark did not surrender.

How did Denmark ultimately respond to the German ultimatum?

Under the threat of bombing, King Christian 10 of Denmark submitted and surrendered to Germany, leading to the German occupation of Denmark.

What was the significance of the invasion of Denmark for Germany's larger military strategy?

The successful invasion of Denmark provided Germany with control over the country and served as a springboard for the invasion of Norway, which was part of the larger Weserübung operation.