Netherlands Under Nazi Occupation

On May 10, 1940, German troops invaded the Netherlands bringing war to ended five days later as Dutch forces surrendered and German occupation of the Netherlands officially began. Five years later, the Netherlands would be liberated. However, the toll in human life and suffering during those five years was enormous.
This talk will highlight the distinctive features of the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Topics to be covered will include: a brief historical overview, the ramifications of the geographic and political landscape of the Netherlands during the Nazi occupation, and the consequences of Nazi invasion, rule, and policies to human life. In addition, special attention will be focused on the unique characteristic of Dutch resistance to Nazi occupation and the war. This will be contrasted with the fundamental nature of resistance as exemplified by Jehovah's Witnesses in the Netherlands and throughout Nazi occupied Europe