At the outbreak of World War II, Norway declared itself neutral. However, the German forces invaded the country on April 9, 1940, and occupied major cities of Norway, including Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Narvik. The German troops in Norway surrendered at the end of the war without resistance. However, the Germans destroyed and burned much of Finnmark and northern Troms during their retreat from Finland late in 1944 and early in 1945. During the summer of 1945, Soviet troops withdrew from eastern Finnmark.
A coalition government led by Einar Gerhardsen was formed after the liberation in 1945. A purely Labour government was formed following the autumn 1945 general election, which gave the DNA a decisive majority. DNA ruled almost continuously from 1945 to 1965.
After the war, Norway quickly repaired the damage left by the war. The merchant fleet had reached its pre-war size by 1949, and industrial production and housing numbers were higher than they were in the 1930s. Norway experienced fast economic growth and full or near-full employment until the 1980s.
Below are some stunning historical photos of Norway in the 1940s that will take you back to the old Norway. Also, check the life of Norway in the 1950s.
