How Cooperative Were the Dutch with the German Occupier in World War II

 

  During the German occupation (1940-1945) the Dutch state continued to function largely under the supervision of the Nazis. The civil service and police cooperated to maintain order maintain order and carry out German orders. There was no collaborative government as in Vichy-France; instead, the Reich Commissioner Arthur Seyss-Inquart ruled.

   Although some officials and police officers helped Jews and members of the resistance, the Dutch bureaucracy largely facilitated anti-Jewish measures, including the registration and deportation of Jews. The railroads transported Jews to camp Westerbork, and Dutch police assisted with arrests. 

   At the same time, within the government there was also passive resistance. Some officials delayed or sabotaged Nazi orders.

   In short, the Dutch state functioned under German control and in many cases cooperated, but without being completely in Nazi hands. There was cooperation, but not complete collaboration as in some other occupied countries.