4.6 The Netherlands during WW2

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4.6 The Netherlands during WW2

Starting activity

You will be shown 3 pictures. Try to explain what is happening in each picture. Use the help words at the bottom of the slide.

Starving, Hongerwinter

Rotterdam, bombing

Roosendaal, liberated

New subject matter

Make notes!

The Netherlands mobilizes

November 1939

• The Dutch government hoped that the Netherlands would remain neutral. Just like they did during WW2.
• In the end, they decided too late to mobilize. 

Germany attacks

10th of May 1940

• On Friday morning, at 3.55 am, the German army attacks the Netherlands who are poorly armed
• There is considerable resistance in places like the Afsluitdijk and the Grebbe linie. However, they could not whitstand the Germany army. 
  

Government in exile

13th of May 1940

• A large part of the Dutch government flees to Great Brittain to stay out of German hands. 
• From London, Queen Wilhelmina will motivate the Dutch not to give up and to fight against the occupiers.

Was the previous picture pro or anti queen Wilhelmina?

1. Pro
2. Anti

Bombing Rotterdam

14th of May 1940

• The Netherlands were able to resist for four days, but the Germans were in a hurry. They bombed Rotterdam and threatend to bomb other cities as well.
• Het bombardment only took 15 minutes, but the city centre was completely destroyed. It would be rebuilt after the war

The Netherlands surrenders

15th of May 1940

• The Netherlands has no choice but to surrender. 
• In total, about 2200 people died in May 1940.

Part of Germany

29th of May 1940

• The Netherlands becomes a part of Germany: Reichskommissariat Niederlande
• The Austrian Arthur Seyss-Inquart becomes Reichskommisar.