ext_252551 ([identity profile] logovore.livejournal.com) wrote in [personal profile] wshaffer 2012-08-12 05:15 am (UTC)

I can't find definite evidence whether the high escape-to-Sweden rate for Norwegian Jews reflects:

(a) exceptionally strong distaste by Norwegians, compared to other occupied peoples, for the dictates of their German-imposed government;

or

(b) a general anti-government-dictates bias among Norwegians, as contrasted with the famously we-believe-in-rules Germans and Rwandans (traits they were known for well before the respective genocides);

or

(c) the simple fact of a nearby neutral border to run to, something that Dutch and Poles and most Frenchmen did not enjoy.

A casual Wikipedia browse is not enlightening.

Occam's Razor makes me suspect it's mostly that there was an easy border to run to, and that if the border had been far away the death rate for Jews in Norway would have been as near-total as it was in the Netherlands.

But there might well be evidence Norwegians were more effective than Dutch at undermining their German bosses' intent, for any of several reasons. I'm just not enough of a Norwegian history expert to know without more work.

Post a comment in response:

This account has disabled anonymous posting.
(will be screened if not validated)
If you don't have an account you can create one now.
HTML doesn't work in the subject.
More info about formatting

If you are unable to use this captcha for any reason, please contact us by email at support@dreamwidth.org