The German invasion of Denmark occurred on April 9, 1940, during World War II. This operation, known as Operation Weserübung, aimed to secure Denmark and Norway for strategic military advantages. The invasion was swift, with German forces quickly overpowering the Danish military, which was ill-prepared for such an attack. Denmark surrendered within hours, leading to a German occupation that lasted until May 1945. The occupation allowed Germany to control Danish resources and use the country as a base for operations in Norway. Despite the occupation, Denmark maintained a degree of autonomy and continued to function as a nation.