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Cornelis GeelkerkenDutch politician and collaborationist, one of the founders of the NSB
Date of Birth: 19.03.1901
Country:  Netherlands |
Content:
- Anton Adriaan Mussert: A Dutch Nationalist and Collaborator
- Founding the NSB
- Second-in-Command
- Collaboration with Nazi Germany
- Post-War Trials and Imprisonment
- Release and Later Life
Anton Adriaan Mussert: A Dutch Nationalist and Collaborator
Early Life and Political AwakeningIn the 1920s, Anton Adriaan Mussert emerged as a radical nationalist in the Netherlands. He shared a common ideology with German Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and was inspired by his rise to power.
Founding the NSB
In 1931, Mussert co-founded the National Socialist Dutch Workers' Movement (NSB) with Robert van Genechten. The NSB was a fascist organization that advocated for a racially pure and authoritarian Netherlands. Mussert served as the party's leader, while van Genechten became his deputy.
Second-in-Command
Van Genechten was given the second-highest membership number in the NSB (after Mussert) and held a prominent role within the party. He was instrumental in establishing the NSB's youth organization, the Jeugdstorm.
Collaboration with Nazi Germany
After the German invasion of the Netherlands in 1940, van Genechten was appointed as the general inspector of the Landwacht, a paramilitary organization that assisted the occupiers. He played a key role in suppressing resistance and enforcing Nazi policies.
Post-War Trials and Imprisonment
Following the liberation of the Netherlands, van Genechten was arrested and tried for treason. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1951, but his sentence was later commuted to 20 years. While his guilt in treason was undeniable, the court cleared him of charges related to the deportation of Jews and war crimes.
Release and Later Life
Van Genechten was released from prison in 1959 and lived quietly in retirement. He worked in the pharmaceutical industry until his death. Despite his brief period of power and collaboration, his legacy remains tainted by the atrocities committed by the NSB during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.
