Did the Netherlands Help Germany in WW2?

During World War II, the question often arises as to whether the Netherlands assisted Nazi Germany in any way. This article aims to explore the role the Netherlands played during the war and whether any help was given to the Germans.

The Dutch Resistance Against Nazi Occupation

Contrary to popular belief, the Dutch did not help the Germans in any significant manner. On the contrary, the Netherlands was deeply involved in the fight against Nazi occupation. For instance, before the war, the Dutch royal family and the government-in-exile were in London. This shows that the Netherlands firmly opposed the Nazi regime and did not collaborate with them.

During the war, the Dutch civil service faced a difficult decision: resign or continue working. Many chose to continue working, and even some used their positions to aid the Dutch Resistance. This indicates that the majority of Dutch citizens and government officials were staunchly opposed to Nazi Germany.

The Dutch position during the war was characterized by active resistance and firm opposition to foreign occupation. The Dutch colonies in Indonesia also fought against Japanese occupation, demonstrating their commitment to independence and freedom.

The Role of Dutch SS Groups

There is a misconception that the Netherlands contributed to the establishment of the Deutscheswehr by providing a significant contingent of Nederlands SS groups. However, this information is inaccurate. While it is true that some Dutch people were involved in the SS, the largest non-German contingent in the Deutscheswehr was not from the Netherlands. Hitler did indeed desire to use some Dutch as racial stock and Aryan settlers in the East, but this was not representative of the Dutch stance during the war.

It is important to note that the term 'Deutscheswehr' is not widely recognized, and there is no substantial evidence to support the claim that the Nederlands SS groups were among the largest contributors to the German military effort. Historical records show that the majority of Dutch citizens and soldiers fought against the Germans, rather than aiding them.

International Intervention Neutrality

During World War I, various nations sought to enlist the Netherlands due to its strategic location and resources. This war was fought between nations that wanted to expand their territories, capture valuable resources, and generally assert dominance. However, the Netherlands maintained a neutral stance during both World Wars, seeing no strategic or economic benefit from involvement in such conflicts. Its neutrality was enforced by its own military forces, and any foreign soldiers or airmen who entered Dutch territory were interned.

While there may have been some mixed feelings among the Dutch population regarding which side to support, official records do not show significant organized political support for either the Allies or the Central Powers. Unlike in World War II, where there was a notable minority in favor of Nazi Germany, the stance during World War I was one of strict neutrality, with active measures taken to uphold this position.

Conclusion

In summary, the Netherlands played a significant role in the resistance against Nazi Germany during World War II. The Dutch royal family, the government-in-exile, and the Dutch people as a whole did not provide any form of support to the German forces. Instead, they fought against the occupation and worked tirelessly to maintain their sovereignty and freedom. The Dutch experience during World War II highlights the complexity of wartime alliances and the importance of upholding values of neutrality and resistance.