Seizing Greenland: A Predominantly US Agenda through the Ages
Americans in Denmark Share Opinions on Trump and Greenland's Potential Annexation
The enigmatic allure of Greenland has captivated the United States for centuries, with persistent attempts to openly or covertly assimilate the autonomous Danish territory.
Trying to Cash in: Historical Attempts to Acquire Greenland
The United States has a prolific history of attempting to acquire Greenland, with several notable episodes:
- 1868 and 1910: Former U.S. Secretary of State William Seward contemplated a purchase in 1868, while a 1910 offer exchanging Greenland for islands in the Philippines was obviously dismissed [5].
- World War II: The U.S. seized military control of Greenland in 1940 in a preemptive move against potential German occupation. After the war, the U.S. retained a substantial military presence [5].
- Post-War Era: President Truman postulated the idea of buying Greenland with $100 million in gold in 1946; Denmark, however, remained adamant in their refusal [1][4][5]. Despite that, the U.S. secured rights to station troops and built military bases such as the Thule Air Base [1][4][5].
- Present-Day Overtures: In recent years, President Donald Trump has expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, a proposal that was met with ridicule by the Danish government [3].
Legal Implications and Conundrums
The legality of such an acquisition is intricate and laced with international law:
- Sovereignty: Soldiering on under Danish rule, any sale would necessitate Danish approval, which has categorically been refused [4].
- International Treaties: The 1951 U.S.-Danish treaty permits the U.S. to station troops in Greenland but does not grant ownership [5].
- Environmental and Indigenous Rights: The acquisition process might raise environmental concerns and issues over the rights of indigenous populations, including the Inuit [5].
Contemporary Reactions
- Denmark: Stressing its sovereignty and the necessity of preserving its role in Greenland's governance, Denmark has consistently rebuffed any offers to part ways [1][4].
- International Community: The international community typically upholds the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity, making unilateral attempts at annezing Greenland a formidable political and legal challenge [5].
- United Nations: The UN could potentially intervene if there were concerns about sovereignty or human rights; however, this would require the approval of member states [5].
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- The allure of Greenland's space and potential resources has long been a subject of interest for US politics, evidenced by historical attempts to acquire the autonomous Danish territory as early as 1868 and continuing into the present day.
- Alarmed by the potential for war-and-conflicts, the United States seized military control of Greenland in 1940, a move that was followed by a substantial military presence post-war.
- In an attempt to purchase Greenland, President Truman proposed a $100 million gold deal in 1946, but Denmark firmly refused.
- The art of diplomacy was tested in recent years when President Donald Trump expressed an interest in buying Greenland, a proposal that was met with ridicule by the Danish government.
- The general-news and the international community have been following the news of Greenland closely, with discussions centered around the legal implications and potential conundrums if the US were to attempt coercion in acquiring the territory.
- With the environmental and indigenous rights of the Inuit people at stake, the UN could intervene if concerns about sovereignty or human rights arise, but this would require the approval of member states.
