In a World of Total War: Norway 1939-45

The vantage point for the project is the European far north, but without being restricted to that region. This is justified by the fact that the region entered forcefully into policy and strategy considerations of both great and small powers, and became more pivotal as the war alliances evolved. By 1942, issues in the region dominated the agenda of the Norwegian government-in-exile. Another reason is that the German occupation of North Norway created an overwhelming asymmetry between the occupier and the multi-ethnic local population. The need for supplies to both the armed forces and industry caused a considerable boost to the economy. So did Germen armament efforts and the overwhelming presence of forced labour. The warfighting that took place in the north during the Narvik Campaign in 1940 and the Petsamo-Kirkenes Campaign 1944-45, by far exceeded anything that took place elsewhere in the country, both in scope and intensity.

In addition to a detailed plan for scholarly publications, the project participants will complete a comprehensive account of Norway and the Second World War for the general public based on the accomplishments of the present project and recent research. The project will, moreover, offer teaching courses at BA and MA level for universities and colleges, and contribute towards integrating state-of-the-art research into the exhibitions and activities of the Narvic Centre. An further sub-project, "The Political Construction of the King" has been secured by external funding. The project will seek to explain why and how the King so swiftly and vigorously became a national unifying symbol of resistance and freedom.