FIGHT OR NOT? Holland from Starvation to Liberation 1943–1945

This chapter examines how, in the face of innumerable hurdles and mortal danger during the final two years of Nazi occupation, the Dutch underground press nevertheless became more resourceful and grew, providing valiant support for the daily lives of the entire population. The deportation of Jews from Holland continued during 1943, and the Germans accelerated efforts to send forced labour to Germany. This prompted increasing numbers of people to go into hiding. The figure of those fleeing mounted to tens of thousands. At the same time the clandestine press needed to rise to the task of providing inspiration and leadership: as the role of the Resistance expanded, so this challenge increased. This chapter focuses on developments from the standpoint of dangers faced, but also examines support amongst the community. How far can these examples provide evidence of clandestine journalistic participation that manifested pluralism of expression as a defining, mature feature—one that had previously been associated mainly with democratic regimes?