History of Vidkun Quisling

Vidkun Abraham Lauritz Jonssøn Quisling (1887–1945) is a name that has become synonymous with treason and collaboration with enemy forces, particularly due to his notorious actions during World War II. Despite beginning his life in a wealthy and well-educated family, with his father being a church pastor and genealogist, Quisling’s future took a decidedly darker turn as he became a symbol of collaboration and betrayal.

Quisling was born in Fyresdal, Telemark, Norway, and showed academic promise early on. He excelled in mathematics and sciences, which led him to pursue studies at the Norwegian Military Academy. His capabilities did not go unnoticed, and by 1911, he graduated with the highest qualifications. After completing his education, he commenced his career in the military, which would lay the foundation for his later political life.

In the early years of his career, Quisling served in various capacities, including being assigned to the General Staff of the Norwegian army, where he was exposed to international politics. By the onset of World War I, Quisling was engaged in diplomatic work and demonstrated an early interest in politics and governance. The early 1920s saw Quisling embarking on diverse assignments, including a stint in Russia, where he worked on humanitarian efforts amidst the Russian famine. This experience granted him valuable exposure to international politics and diplomacy.

Upon his return to Norway, Quisling ventured into politics, capitalizing on his military and diplomatic experience. He briefly held the position of Norway’s Minister of Defense from 1931 to 1933, a role that provided him with a platform to promote his political ideology. During this period, Quisling began to articulate nationalist and authoritarian views, advocating for a strong centralized government, a stance that aligned with Europe's growing fascist movements.

Quisling’s political influence grew with the founding of the Nasjonal Samling (National Union) party in 1933, which he led. The party was inspired by the rise of fascism in Europe and was characterized by its extreme nationalism, promotion of corporatism, and anti-communism. Despite these ideologies, the party never gained significant support in Norway and failed to secure parliamentary representation. However, Quisling's charisma and rhetoric kept him a visible figure in Norwegian politics.

As Europe descended into chaos with the outbreak of World War II, Quisling saw an opportunity to expand his influence. He believed that aligning with Nazi Germany would consolidate his vision for Norway. On April 9, 1940, Germany invaded Norway, and Quisling made a controversial and fateful decision. In a radio broadcast, he declared himself Prime Minister of Norway and announced that the Germans had his cooperation to restore order. This coup, however, lacked legitimacy and support from the Norwegian public and government officials.

The German authorities, initially taken aback by Quisling’s unilateral declaration, eventually sidelined him in favor of a more direct military administration. Though briefly out of favor, Quisling persisted and by 1942, he was established by the Nazi regime as the Minister-President of a puppet government under German occupation. This collaborationist government implemented many policies aligning with Nazi ideology, including persecution of Jews, political dissidents, and other minority groups.

Throughout the war, Quisling's policies and his government were deeply unpopular, leading to widespread resistance from the Norwegian public. The term "Quisling" became synonymous with traitor and collaborator, not only within Norway but across the Allied nations. His government's stringent enforcement of Nazi policies and the use of repression to maintain control only deepened the hatred towards him.

As the tides of war turned against Germany, it became evident that Quisling’s political standing was precarious. With the liberation of Norway by Allied forces in May 1945, Quisling was arrested and charged with high treason, murder, and embezzlement, reflecting his actions during the war years. His trial was a significant event in Norway, symbolizing the restoration of justice and the rejection of collaborationism.

Quisling was found guilty on multiple counts and was sentenced to death. On October 24, 1945, he was executed by firing squad at Akershus Fortress in Oslo. His death did little to erase the legacy he left behind, as "quisling" entered the lexicon as a term for traitors and collaborators worldwide.

Vidkun Quisling's history is a study in the corrupting power of ideology and ambition. From a promising military and diplomatic career to notoriety as a puppet leader under a foreign regime, Quisling's life reflects the complexities and dangers of extremist politics. His legacy is not just a reminder of the historical events that unfolded during World War II, but also a cautionary tale about the consequences of aligning national ambitions with oppressive regimes.