Start Date
4-30-2026 9:10 AM
End Date
4-30-2026 10:25 AM
Disciplines
History
Abstract
This paper examines the impact of nineteenth century philosopher and theologian Nikolaj Frederik Severin Grundtvig on the Danish resistance during World War II. Born in 1783, Grundtvig established a framework that paved the way for Danish national pride, setting the stage for a united resistance effort against Nazi occupation in October of 1943. His beliefs inspired movement towards the common good and allowed the Danes to reconnect with their cultural identity. Nazi Germany invaded Denmark in 1940, initially preserving an image of peace through a model protectorate. However, the image of peace was destroyed in 1943 after Nazi Germany ordered the roundup of Danish Jews. This paper examines how Grundtvig impacted both the initial passive Danish resistance movement founded in song and community and the active resistance movement to assist Danish Jews in escaping persecution. Ultimately, over ninety percent–or 7,00 Danish Jews–escaped death with the assistance of resistors. Through analysis of Grundtvig’s written work, Danish Jew’s firsthand accounts of occupation, and government-published statements, this paper draws parallels between the cultural identities of Danes and Jewish citizens during World War II and examines how this resistance movement should be used as an outline for the future.
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Included in
Revolutionary Resistance in Denmark: The Impact of Grundtvigism on the Danish Resistance to Nazi Occupation
This paper examines the impact of nineteenth century philosopher and theologian Nikolaj Frederik Severin Grundtvig on the Danish resistance during World War II. Born in 1783, Grundtvig established a framework that paved the way for Danish national pride, setting the stage for a united resistance effort against Nazi occupation in October of 1943. His beliefs inspired movement towards the common good and allowed the Danes to reconnect with their cultural identity. Nazi Germany invaded Denmark in 1940, initially preserving an image of peace through a model protectorate. However, the image of peace was destroyed in 1943 after Nazi Germany ordered the roundup of Danish Jews. This paper examines how Grundtvig impacted both the initial passive Danish resistance movement founded in song and community and the active resistance movement to assist Danish Jews in escaping persecution. Ultimately, over ninety percent–or 7,00 Danish Jews–escaped death with the assistance of resistors. Through analysis of Grundtvig’s written work, Danish Jew’s firsthand accounts of occupation, and government-published statements, this paper draws parallels between the cultural identities of Danes and Jewish citizens during World War II and examines how this resistance movement should be used as an outline for the future.