The Norwegian Campaign (8 April – 10 June 1940) was a key event during World War II, involving the invasion of Norway by Nazi Germany and the subsequent efforts of Allied forces, along with Norwegian resistance, to defend the country. The German attack was primarily motivated by the strategic need to secure the port of Narvik, a critical hub for the shipment of Swedish iron ore, vital for German steel production.
The campaign began with the German invasion, which took the Norwegian government and military by surprise, despite earlier fears of such an attack. The British Royal Navy and the Kriegsmarine first clashed at the battles of Narvik in mid-April, and British forces landed at Åndalsnes shortly after. Although an Allied expeditionary force of British, French, and Polish troops numbering around 38,000 had some initial success in northern Norway, their efforts were undermined by the rapid collapse of France in May 1940, forcing a hasty Allied retreat.
King Haakon VII and Crown Prince Olav escaped to the United Kingdom, establishing a government-in-exile after Norway’s complete occupation by Germany. Though Norway fell under Nazi control, some elements of the Norwegian military and resistance forces continued to fight from abroad, notably in the UK.
The campaign ended with a German victory, but Norway's strategic location in the North Atlantic proved valuable to both sides throughout the war, particularly in naval operations. The occupation had lasting effects on Norway, leading to a prolonged resistance movement and close post-war ties with the Allies.