Germany invades Norway. During World War II, Nazi Germany invaded neutral Norway, surprising Norwegian and British defenses and capturing several strategic positions along the coast. In the preliminary phase of the invasion, Norwegian fascists led by Vidkun Quisling acted as a fifth column for the Germans, spreading false rumors and occupying nerve centers, military bases, and other positions. In June, Norway surrendered. Quisling was appointed head of a government of convenience, strongly opposed by the Norwegian resistance, the most fierce in all of occupied Europe. After the German surrender in May 1945, Quisling was arrested, convicted of high treason, and executed. The word “quisling,” meaning traitor in various languages, derives from his name.
