284: Denmark: The Great Escape

The podcast examines Denmark's response to the Nazi occupation during World War II, focusing on the rescue of Danish Jews. It highlights the unique civic culture in Denmark, where Jewish citizens were viewed as equal Danes, contributing to widespread solidarity against the Nazi regime. The discussion also covers the role of key figures such as King Christian X, who symbolized Danish sovereignty, and Georg Ferdinand Duckwitz, a German attaché who warned Danish politicians about the impending roundup. The narrative further explores the controversial actions of SS General Werner Best, who, while organizing the roundup, took steps that inadvertently aided the rescue efforts, driven by his desire to maintain the flow of agricultural products from Denmark to Germany.