In the late 1930s, inspired by National Socialism in Germany, the Dutch Nazi Party became increasingly antisemitic. In 1940, Mussert hoped to closely cooperate with the occupier. Yet the Germans were not immediately inclined to do so: they knew the NSB was divided internally and also despised by many. But it ultimately became clear to the German occupier that Mussert could count on the loyal support of members of the NSB. By 1941, the NSB was the only political party allowed in the Netherlands. A year later, Hitler appointed Mussert as ‘Leader of the Dutch Nation’, but he was merely a figurehead. Anton Mussert was arrested on 7 May 1945. One year later – to the day – he was  executed by firing squad on the Waalsdorpervlakte, a sand plain in the dunes where many Dutch people had also been executed during the war.