Politics of Veteran Policies in a Peaceful State: The Compensation Act for Danish Victims of World War II 1945–1969

This article examines the development and implementation of the Danish Compensation Act for victims of World War II, enacted shortly after liberation in 1945, and its revisions up to 1969. It explores the interplay between political debates, resistance narratives, and societal myths that shaped the legislation. While there was broad initial consensus on the need to support former resistance fighters and other victim groups, divisions quickly emerged regarding eligibility criteria and the scope of compensation. Drawing on archival sources, parliamentary records, and resistance media, this study reveals how the law became a battleground for conflicting narratives: the consensus myth promoted by political elites and the conflict narrative embraced by resistance circles. Despite its broad inclusivity, the Compensation Act ultimately mirrored traditional social policies rather than introducing groundbreaking measures. Resistance associations’ campaigns, particularly in the late 1960s, highlighted the inadequacies of the original legislation, leading to significant amendments that improved access and benefits. However, this newfound recognition for former resistance fighters did little to alter the broader public narrative of the wartime era, which remains dominated by the consensus myth. This case study thus highlights the enduring influence political narratives can have on social policy development.