Quick Facts
His name became a word for traitor. Norway's Nazi collaborator-in-chief.
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Life Journey
Vidkun Quisling was born to Jon Quisling and Anna Sørensdotter Castberg in Fyresdal, Telemark County, Norway.
Quisling completes his secondary education at Oslo Cathedral School, a prestigious institution in the Norwegian capital.
Quisling graduates from the Norwegian Military Academy as a lieutenant, marking the beginning of his military career.
Quisling is appointed as the Norwegian military attaché in Petrograd (now St. Petersburg), Russia, during the turbulent period following the Russian Revolution.
Quisling returns to Norway after his diplomatic service in Russia, bringing with him a wealth of experience and insights from the Eastern front.
Quisling is appointed as the Deputy Minister of Defense in the Norwegian government, a significant step in his political career.
Quisling founds the Nasjonal Samling (National Unity) party, a far-right political organization that advocates for Norse nationalism and authoritarianism.
Quisling marries Maria Vasiljevna, a Russian woman, in a private ceremony, marking a significant personal milestone.
Quisling travels to Germany and meets with Adolf Hitler, discussing the possibility of a German-Norwegian alliance and future cooperation.
Germany invades Norway, and Quisling seizes the opportunity to proclaim himself the head of a pro-German government, leading to his collaboration with the Nazis.
Quisling is officially appointed as the Minister President of Norway by the German occupying forces, becoming the face of the collaborationist regime.
Quisling enacts severe anti-Semitic policies, leading to the persecution and deportation of Norwegian Jews to concentration camps.
As the tide of World War II turns against Germany, Quisling's regime faces increasing resistance and the likelihood of defeat becomes apparent.
Following the liberation of Norway, Quisling is arrested and charged with treason for his collaboration with the Nazi regime.
Vidkun Quisling is executed by firing squad for his role in collaborating with Nazi Germany and betraying his country.