On May 10, 1940, four British warships arrived in Reykjavík's harbor. They anchored, and within hours, the city was fully occupied. This event followed the German invasion of Denmark and Norway a month prior.
The Icelandic government had consistently refused British requests for consent to occupy, adhering to a policy of neutrality. Despite this, there was no armed resistance from the local population.
Taxi and truck drivers actively assisted the invading forces, who arrived without motor vehicles. The occupation was completed rapidly, with British soldiers establishing camps around the city.
Over the course of World War II, the number of foreign military personnel in Reykjavík grew to match the local population. This unprecedented situation transformed the city's demographics during the war.
The economic impact of the occupation was unexpectedly positive. The years of depression that preceded the war saw significant unemployment. However, the presence of foreign soldiers provided a boost to the local economy.
Reykjavík's role during the war illustrates a complex interplay of neutrality and unexpected collaboration during a time of global conflict.
