The scuttling of the Danish navy occurred as a result of increasing pressures from Nazi Germany, which had occupied Denmark since April 9, 1940. The Danish government, while initially seeking a policy of cooperation with the occupiers, found it increasingly untenable following events leading up to summer 1943, particularly after the Allies began to take the initiative in the war against Germany. By late August, it became clear that Germany was moving to dissolve the Danish government altogether, symbolizing the end of any facade of Danish autonomy. As a defensive measure, the Danish Navy was ordered to scuttle its ships rather than face their capture and use by the German Navy. This act, which included the sinking of destroyers, submarines, and other vessels, took place primarily in the naval base of Holmen in Copenhagen and various ports across Denmark. The dark shadows of war had led to a seismic shift in attitudes among Danish leaders who, recognizing the futility of cooperation, chose instead a desperate act of resistance to prevent further German military strength.