Exiles participated in many ways in resisting National Socialism. Adherents of various parties exerted political resistance, but so, too, did creative artists. Their aim was to educate people about the Nazi regime – both those living within the Nazi sphere of influence and those in the countries offering refuge.

Over 400 German exile newspapers were published around the world, representing an important instrument of resistance. Some were even smuggled back to Germany in scaled-down or disguised form. 

Exiles first offered military resistance during the Spanish Civil War. During the Second World War, many also joined the Allied forces and participated in the liberation of Europe.