After capitulation in May 1940, the Germans did not install a military government in the Netherlands, but rather a German Civil Administration, similar to the one in Norway. Hitler appointed a Reichskommissar, Seyss-Inquart, who possessed all the authorities normally conferred to the Head of State, the Cabinet, and parliament, according toParliament in accordance with the
Dutch Constitution. The parliament was dissolved. In certain departments, the secretary-generals, who were the most senior civil servants, where allowed to retain their positions. But above the secretary-generals, the German authorities appointed German
officials (Generalkommissäre). They could issue laws, measures, and ordinances over which the Dutch authorities had no real influence.
The measures that were initially taken to isolate the Jewish population were implemented gradually in order to prevent public protest or social disorder.