Germany invades Denmark and Norway

German forces invaded Denmark and Norway by sea, by land, and by aerial bombardment. Some 10,000 German soldiers hidden in vessels disguised as merchant ships occupied the coasts of Oslo, Bergen, Kristiansund, Trondheim, and Narvik. Paratroopers captured the airports of Oslo and Stavanger. Although the onslaught took the Norwegians by total surprise, they inflicted heavy losses on the German navy. In Denmark, the invader met with almost no resistance. Explaining its action, Germany argued that, according to documents in its possession, Britain and France were planning to occupy Norway against its will. The German invasion forces in Norway were greeted by Vidkun Quisling, who declared himself prime minister of Norway. Upon this invasion, Hitler abandoned any hopes of striking a peace settlement with France and Great Britain.