At the outbreak of World War II, Norway declared itself neutral. However, German forces invaded the country on April 9, 1940, occupying major Norwegian cities, including Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Narvik. The German troops in Norway surrendered without resistance at the end of the war. Nevertheless, during their retreat from Finland in late 1944 and early 1945, the Germans destroyed and burned much of Finnmark and northern Troms. In the summer of 1945, Soviet troops withdrew from eastern Finnmark.
After the liberation in 1945, a coalition government led by Einar Gerhardsen was formed. Later that year, following the autumn general election, a purely Labour government came to power after the Norwegian Labour Party (DNA) won a decisive majority. The DNA governed almost continuously from 1945 to 1965.
In the post-war years, Norway quickly repaired the devastation caused by the conflict. By 1949, the merchant fleet had regained its pre-war size, and industrial production as well as housing construction had surpassed 1930s levels. Norway enjoyed rapid economic growth and maintained full or near-full employment until the 1980s.
Below are some stunning historical photos of Norway in the 1940s that will transport you back to the Norway of old.
Also, check the life of Norway in the 1950s.
