Operation Weserübung — 1940 code name for Germany's assault on Denmark and Norway during the Second World War
Germany's simultaneous invasion of Denmark and Norway in April 1940 secured strategic Nordic positions and opened the Norwegian Campaign of World War II.
Key Facts
- Operation start date
- 9 April 1940
- Operation end date
- 10 June 1940
- Planned landing time (Weserzeit)
- 05:15
- Countries invaded
- Denmark and Norway
- Pretext cited by Germany
- Protection against Anglo-French occupation (Plan R 4)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Nazi Germany sought to preempt an anticipated Anglo-French operation, Plan R 4, which aimed to occupy Norway and cut off German iron ore supply routes through Scandinavian waters. Germany justified its military action as a protective measure for both Denmark and Norway against Allied intervention, though the invasion was itself an aggressive expansion of the war in Europe.
On 9 April 1940, German forces simultaneously occupied Denmark and invaded Norway in a coordinated operation codenamed Weserübung. Denmark's military was ordered to stand down and the government did not declare war, leading to rapid occupation. Norway, with differing geography and climate, presented a more complex military campaign that persisted until 10 June 1940.
Denmark was swiftly brought under German control without formal declaration of war, while Norway became a contested battleground forming the Norwegian Campaign. German envoys informed both governments that Germany had come to protect them, framing the occupation in diplomatic terms even as military operations continued for two months across Norwegian territory.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
2 belligerents