In 1940 Germany was in the midst of a gigantic war in Europe. They were one devastating military machine--a machine that needed iron ore to run. Germany imported it's iron ore from the neutral nation of Sweden. If the Allies could stop this import, Germany would be in sorry shape. This created a race for control of the iron ore--through Norway.
In order to get to Norway, Germany first invaded Denmark, in the early morning hours of April 9th. The conflict lasted less than 6 hours, ending with the Danish government ordering a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, another German force was already on its way to Norway. The German army quickly took the airports of Oslo, and Stavanger, as well as the coastal cities from Kritiansand in the very South, to Narvik in the very north. However, despite these victories, the Germans did lose a very modern warship, the Blucher.
Following these defeats, the Norwegian government retreated to the interior of the country, while Major-General Otto Ruge planned a fighting retreat, in order to slow the German's advance while the Norwegians awaited Allied aid.
Brittish forces did arrive at Trondheim, but were quickly evacuated after a failed attempt to retake the city. From that point on, all allied aid around the North, where iron ore was shipped from, after being imported from Sweden. The city of Narvik was eventually retaken by allied forces on May 28.
But, just when the Allies had gained victory in Narvik, the war in Sweden lost its importance, with Germany invading Belgium, Holland, and France. In the beginning of June, the Royal Navy began evacuating Allied troops, including the Norwegian government and king, who would spend the rest of the war as exiles in London.
Although the Norwegian government never officially surrendered, and some Norwegian forces continued to fight, the Germans held Norway by June 10. Norway had resisted the Germans for two months, longer than any other occupied country.
Sources: The Historical Atlas Of World War II | Alexander Swanston and Malcolm Swanston, Operation Weserubung | Wikipedia
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