The term fascisterne is a translation of “the fascists.” It’s a word that has historical significance, meaning the groups and individuals who supported fascist ideologies in Denmark, particularly in the turbulent period leading up to and up to World War II. Although fascism didn’t gain the same traction in Denmark as in other countries like Germany or Italy The story of fascisterne has become a significant part of Scandinavian history, providing an intricate tale of collaboration, nationalism and finally, abandonment.
This article traces the story of fascism within Denmark. We will look at their beginnings as well as their connection to Nazi Germany and their function during the occupation, and finally, their demise. Knowing this story gives the reader a glimpse into how a nation of democracy faced the threat of extremism right on its doorstep.
The Rise of Fascism in Europe and Denmark
Fascism began to emerge in Italy following World War I under Benito Mussolini and promoted aggressive nationalism with authoritarian government and total devotion to one leader. It was a resurgence of communism and liberal democracy, and promised order and a revival of the nation. Its triumph, and the rise of Adolf Nazir in Germany and the rise of Adolf Hitler, sparked similar movements throughout Europe.
In Denmark, the political climate in the 1930s was characterized by economic recession and a fear of communism. This led to an opening for radical views. Several small right-wing groups emerged, but the most significant was the Danmarks Nationalsocialistiske Arbejderparti (DNSAP), or the National Socialist Workers’ Party of Denmark.
Established in 1930, the DNSAP was a direct imitator of Hitler’s Nazi Party. The members of the DNSAP adopted the swastika and wore brown-colored uniforms, and wore their signature Nazi salute. Cay Lembcke initially ruled the group. However, it was under the direction of Frits Clausen, who was a doctor of North Jutland, that the DNSAP was the main front for Danish fascism.
The Ideology and Ambitions of Fascisterne
The DNSAP, as well as other Danish fascist groups, based their ideology on anti-democratic sentiment and nationalism that mirrored the views of their German counterparts. Their fundamental tenets were:
- Extreme nationalism pushed the “Denmark for the Danes” message that argued for an ethnically and culturally homogenous country.
- Authority Rule: The group disapproved of parliamentary democracy, seeing it as weak and unworkable. They advocated for an authoritarian state ruled by one powerful Forer (Leader) and Frits Clausen as the leading persona.
- Anti-Communism: One of the main tenets of their program was their fervent opposing of socialism and communism, which they considered fundamental threats to the nation.
- Economic Corporatists: These economists advocated an economy controlled by the state, where businesses were divided into corporate groups in the pretense to benefit the nation.
- Anti-Semitism is less important than Nazism in Germany; the DNVP actively promoted anti-Semitic rants in the form of blaming Jews for Denmark’s social and economic problems.
Despite the fact that they held organized rallies, propaganda magazines such as Faedrelandet (The Fatherland) and the paramilitary youth wing Fascisterne did not gain any significant political momentum. In the general election of 1939 in 1939, the DNSAP got just 1.8 percent of the votes with just three votes in the Danish Parliament. The majority of Danes remain steadfastly rooted in their democratic tradition and see the DNSAP as an unpopular section of troublemakers.
The German Occupation and Collaboration
The goals of Fascistrene were blown up in the early hours of April 9th, 1940, as Nazi Germany invaded Denmark. The Danish government resigned within a few hours in order to prevent bloodshed, the beginning of an occupation lasting five years. In the eyes of Frits Clausen as well as the DNSAP, the moment appeared as a perfect chance. They had hoped for the Germans to dismantle the Danish government and replace them as a puppet government like Vidkun Quisling’s Nasjonal Samling in Norway.
However, they did not realize that the Germans had different plans. They chose a plan that incorporated “cooperative occupation,” allowing the Danish the king, government and the civil service to stay in their place. This approach was a sensible one that ensured the country continued to run efficiently, supplying agricultural goods for Germany without the need for a large military presence. In the end, Clausen and his group were mostly ignored. The German authorities considered them to be insignificant politically and preferred working with the existing Danish government.
Despite this and the threats of fascism, the fascists stepped up to support the occupiers. They served as informants, organized pro-German rallies and urged Danes to accept”the New Order” in Europe. The openness of their collaboration only strengthened their image as enemies in the eyes of the people in the Danish public.
Frikorps Danmark: The Danish Waffen-SS
The most well-known type of collaboration took place with the establishment of Frikorps Danmark (Free Corps Denmark) in 1941. The unit of volunteers was created in the Waffen-SS to fight the Soviet Union on the Eastern Front. About 6000 Danes were enlisted, a majority of them were members of the DNSAP or came from the fascist circles.
The volunteers took an oath of loyalty in the name of Adolf Hitler and fought in violent campaigns, including in the vicinity of Leningrad as well as in the Battle of Narva. Their service in the war for Nazi Germany was viewed as the ultimate act of treason by the Danish resistance and by the people in general.
The Downfall and Legacy of Fascisterne
After Germany was defeated in May 1945, Denmark became free, and thus the period of fascism was brought to an abrupt and definitive end. In the aftermath, the Danish party of fascism, that been tying its fate to an eventual German victory, fell apart in a single day.
The Legal Purge (Retsopgoret)
After the conflict, Denmark initiated a legal purge in order to bring the collaborators to justice. Thousands were detained, which included DNSAP participants, informants and even volunteers from Frikorps Danmark.
- Frits Clausen was detained in May 1945 and was placed in detention. He was pronounced dead in December 1947, before his trial was able to be concluded.
- Frikorps Danmark Volunteers faced severe punishment. A lot of them were convicted of Treason and were sentenced to lengthy sentences in prison terms. Being a part of a foreign army was considered a crime, and their support to defeat the Nazis was seen with special disgust.
- Other collaborators who profited from the occupation or provided information about their coworkers, Danes, were also investigated. Although 46 died for crimes against humanity, the majority of collaborators faced prison sentences or were denied their civil rights.
The legal process was able to dismantle the entire fascist structure in Denmark. The DNSAP was banned, which meant that its participants were politically and socially marginalized.
A Lasting Legacy of Betrayal
The legacy left by the fascist movement within Denmark has been one of failure and treachery. They are not remembered in the sense of a vital political group; however, they are remembered as a minor group that betrayed their nation in the darkest of times. The word itself is a powerful insult in Danish political discourse and is associated with the notion of collaboration and anti-democratic views.
The story of fascism is an unsettling reminder that even stable democracies can generate radical movements in times of crisis. But it also demonstrates the strength of the Danish people, who, in the majority, opposed fascism and remained loyal to its democratic ideals even under the massive stress of the foreign occupation. The quick and unwavering refusal of these groups after the war made sure that their ideas were not able to find a home after the war in Denmark.
Conclusion
The tale of Fascisterne in Denmark is an example of a cautionary tale. The governing party was the DNSAP, the DNSAP, these Danish fascists modeled themselves after Hitler’s Nazi Party, but failed to gain the respect and affection of the Danish population. Their choice to join their fellow German occupiers in World War II sealed their fate, making them traitors for the generations to follow. Although their influence on politics was not significant, their actions, specifically the Frikorps Danmark, have left a dark mark on the history of our nation. In the present, the legacy of fascism is still used as a powerful reminder of the dangers posed by extremism and the importance of standing up for democratic ideals.
