German invasion of Norway facts for kids
The German invasion of Norway happened during World War II. This event led to many battles between the Allied forces and Germany. In April 1940, the United Kingdom and France sent soldiers and warships to help Norway.
Contents
Why Norway Was Important to Germany
Norway was very important to Germany for two main reasons. First, its long coastline was a great place for German U-boats (submarines) to hide. From there, they could attack Allied ships in the North Atlantic Ocean. This would weaken the Allies' ability to move supplies.
Second, Germany needed to get iron ore from Sweden. Most of this iron ore was shipped through the Norwegian port of Narvik. Germany was worried that the Allies might try to stop these shipments. Taking control of Norway would protect this vital supply route.
Germany's Invasion Plan
The invasion of Norway was called "Operation Weserübung". It was led by General Nikolaus von Falkenhorst. His army group, the XXI Army Corps, included several main units:
- 69th Infantry Division
- 163rd Infantry Division
- 181st Infantry Division
- 196th Infantry Division
- 214th Infantry Division
- 3rd Mountain Division
What Happened After the Invasion
The Allied forces had to leave Norway. The Norwegian government also had to escape and went to London to continue fighting from there. Even though Germany took control of Norway, some brave Norwegians formed the Norwegian resistance. They kept fighting against the Germans in secret.
Norway managed to hold off the German invasion for 62 days. This made Norway the country that resisted a German invasion for the longest time, after the Soviet Union.
Images for kids
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German dead being brought ashore from the German naval tanker Altmark.
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The heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper landing troops in Norway in 1940.
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German Pz.Kpfw. I tanks in Aabenraa, Denmark, 9 April 1940
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German Leichter Panzerspähwagen armoured car in Jutland.
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Iron ore is extracted in Kiruna and Malmberget and brought by rail to the harbours of Luleå and Narvik. (Borders 1920–1940)
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See also
In Spanish: Campaña de Noruega para niños
