Vidkun Quisling, traitor. The man who surrendered his country to Hitler and the Nazis. The man who sought to acquire power to serve his own interests, and those of the Germans, leaving his own country and culture behind.
When Germany invaded Norway in 1940, Quisling was standing by to take control. When the Nygaardsvold government retreated, Quisling attempted a coup d'etat. During a news broadcast, he announced the members of his new government, and encouraged the Norwegian people to surrender and support the German occupation.
In spite of having the support of Hitler, Quisling was denied the title of Minister President until 1942.
After the war, Quisling was prosecuted, found guilty, and finally executed by shooting.
Ever since, the name Quisling has been synonymous with traitor.
The story of Vidkun Quisling is one of patriotism and loyalty, but also one of sticking to your beliefs and never giving up. World War II is probably the most significant period of modern Norwegian history, and Quisling is the personification of treason and betrayal.
Stories about WWII in Norway is characterised by the resistance movement, of how we never gave up and stood together against the Nazis to secure our identity. WWII i a defining moment in our history, and the phrase "never again" is intrinsically linked with what happened in 1940 and the following years. In this period, Quisling was the opposite of our war time heroes. He is portrayed as evil man, and his methods and goals are widely resented. Through his bad example, we are thaught to be loyal to our nation and proud of our culture.
The flipside of Quisling's quick surrender to the German invasion is the resistance movement's firm belief that they would win in the end. It's story of believing in yourself and never relinquishing hope of better times. Norway is a proud country these days, and the stories of resistance during WWII is an important part of our cultural heritage. Quisling represents the values that we should all suppress.
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