Danish Food Production in the German War Economy

Abstract

Denmark was a special case during the Second World War. While other German-occupied countries experienced exploitation and oppression, German policy in Denmark was relatively soft. This chapter argues that Danish food exports and the way in which production and consumption were organised played a crucial role in Germany’s distinct, special occupational policy. The German occupying power pursued a special economic policy in Denmark. Institutional conditions were a decisive factor. The economic collaboration of Danish authorities and agricultural organisations established a very efficient system with strict controls of food production and food consumption, to the mutual benefit of Denmark and Germany. A brief comparison with policies in Holland, Belgium, and France illustrates the specific dynamics at work in Denmark.

This article is based on my PhD Dissertation, Produktions- und Lieferfreudigkeit. Landbruget under den tyske besættelse 1940–1945 (Esbjerg: Unpublished PhD Dissertation at University of Southern Denmark, 2004). Published in 2005 by Lindhardt & Ringhof Forlag under the title Til fælles bedste [For the Common Good].